Park rangers in Kulen Prumtep Wildlife Sanctuary (KPWS) in Cambodia’s north have received a new working office to boost their efforts to guard the protected area against poachers.

  

Under the blessings of five Buddhist monks, H.E. Mok Mareth, Minister of Environment, led park rangers, wildlife officials and development partners in an inauguration ceremony in Thakeung village in Preah Vihear province, on Feb. 16.

 

The two-storey white concrete structure now serves as the main park ranger station in KPWS. The 405,000 ha sanctuary expands across territories in three provinces in Cambodia’s north - Siem Reap, Preah Vihear and Uddar Meanchey.

Ear Sokha, KPWS’ site manager, said that, until recently, the 29 park rangers in the area operated out of a small wooden house, which lacked office working space. The new facility, he said, now provides greater space for staff to work, a room for storing evidence of encroachment in the protected area, and space to hold training in wildlife conservation for local villagers as well. 

 

“The local people and we are very glad to have the new office. To have a proper working facility certainly helps raise our spirit in doing our jobs,” Ear Sokha said.

The Thakeung station is part of an ongoing collaboration between the Ministry of Environment and the Wildlife Conservation Society, with support from UNDP, in implementing a community-managed wildlife conservation and ecotourism. Last year, a community-based ecotourism project in nearby Tmatboey village, located within the protected area, was named the winner of the international Equator Prize, which recognizes initiatives in turning local action into global sustainable development.

Despite the recent celebration, Tmatboey’s community residents and KPWS site manager Ear Sokha believe there is still much to be done for the protected area, which is home to critically endangered bird species such as Giant Ibis and white-rumped Falcon. The sanctuary faces constant threat from poachers and migrant-settlers encroaching on the protected land.

Dib On, the Tmatboey’s community leader, raised the issue with H.E. Mok Mareth during his trip to inaugurate the park rangers’ new station.

“People from outside (the area) continue to commit offenses like setting up traps to catch animals and cut trees. We would like to ask for a better cooperation between the local authorities, wildlife sanctuary officers, and the community” to protect the nature, Dib On said.