Cambodia Boosts Forest and Wildlife Protection, Records Decline in Resource Crimes

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Jan. 5, 2026) — Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment said intensified patrols and technology-based monitoring helped reduce natural resource crimes in 2025, as the government strengthened protection of forests, wildlife and protected areas nationwide.

Ministry spokesperson Khvay Atitya said park rangers carried out 16,261 patrol missions last year, an increase of 1,855 compared with 2024, and cracked down on 2,152 natural resource crimes, down 393 cases year-on-year.

Enforcement actions included 751 forestry crimes, 737 wildlife crimes, 334 cases of illegal land encroachment, 322 illegal fishing cases and 15 mineral resource violations. Authorities forwarded 133 case files to court and sent 95 suspects for prosecution.

The ministry attributed the decline to strengthened cooperation among park rangers, provincial administrations, prosecutors, armed forces, anti-corruption units, partner organizations and local communities living in protected areas

Over the past two years, Cambodia has implemented a zero-tolerance enforcement policy against environmental crimes while upgrading surveillance systems. Authorities have expanded the use of satellite imagery, drones and rapid-response teams to identify suspected illegal logging and land encroachment and to carry out targeted interventions.

The ministry said it is accelerating implementation of the government’s Environmental Sector Chakra Strategy, particularly its Green Pillar, which focuses on expanding tree-planting campaigns, strengthening management of protected areas and improving livelihoods for communities in conservation zones.

Officials said the measures aim to ensure long-term protection of Cambodia’s forests and wildlife while promoting sustainable community development.