PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Environment has announced that it identified 157 natural resource offences in protected areas in August, with forestry crimes accounting for the largest share of cases.
In a September 11 statement, the ministry said its officials and law enforcement authorities conducted 1,256 patrols across protected areas during the month, resulting in 157 cases uncovered and action taken — 10 more than in July.
The operations found a total of 48.37ha of land cleared inside protected areas, with case files involving 20.39ha already before the courts.
Forestry offences accounted for 67 cases, followed by 40 wildlife offences, 33 land offences, 16 fisheries offences and one case involving mineral resources.
Authorities took formal legal action in 69 cases, with six cases involving eight suspects already before the courts.
The ministry noted that park rangers are constantly strengthening their cooperation with all relevant authorities and stakeholders.
As part of ongoing efforts to improve the capacity of its officials, the ministry held training courses in Koh Kong, Pailin and Kratie provinces.
The sessions covered recording and investigating natural resource offences, evidence gathering, and money-laundering offences.
A total of 129 trainees attended the three courses, the ministry said. - Phnom Penh Post/ANN
