FAQ · Environment & Climate 28

The Chhaeb-Preah Roka Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in northern Cambodia. It covers 3,475.68 km2 and extends across the provinces of Preah Vihear and Stung Treng. This sanctuary was established in July 2023 by merging the former Chhaeb and Preah Roka wildlife sanctuaries. The landscape includes deciduous dipterocarp forest, semi-evergreen and evergreen forest, and seasonally inundated grasslands. These diverse habitats support various threatened species such as the giant ibis, Asian elephant, and banteng.

Cambodia is home to many species recognized as threatened, endangered, or critically endangered. These include the national bird, the giant ibis, and the national animal, the kouprey, which may already be extinct. Other animals at risk include the Asian elephant, Siamese crocodile, wild water buffalo, and Eld's deer. Many of these species face threats from deforestation, habitat destruction, poaching, and the illegal wildlife trade. Conservation organizations are currently working to help protect the country's unique wildlife.

Cambodia possesses very diverse wildlife including at least 162 mammal species and 600 bird species. You can find animals such as elephants, panthers, bears, tigers, and various types of deer. The country's birds include species like cranes, parrots, and the giant ibis, which is the national bird. There are also numerous reptiles, including venomous snakes and constrictors, along with 900 freshwater fish species. Many of these species face threats from deforestation, poaching, and habitat destruction.

Pauline Dy Phon was a prominent Cambodian botanist who specialized in the flora of Southeast Asia. She conducted extensive research on the vegetation of south-west Cambodia and surrounding regions. Her work focused on the Faboideae subfamily, including several specific genera. She also contributed significantly to identifying and classifying plants of Cambodia and Indochina. Additionally, she published a trilingual dictionary of plants used in Cambodia in 2000.

You can explore these ecosystems within the Preah Sihanouk Ream National Park. Located near Sihanoukville, this park includes 60 km2 of marine habitats bordering the Gulf of Thailand. The area features a rich combination of coral reefs, sea grass beds, and mangroves. It also encompasses estuaries, beaches, and various islands like Koh Thmei and Koh Seh. This diverse landscape provides a unique environment for many different types of marine life.

Deforestation in Cambodia has increased in recent years due to massive economic development that threatens its ecosystems. Direct causes include poorly managed commercial logging, fuel wood collection, agricultural invasion, and infrastructure or urban development. Indirect pressures such as rapid population growth and limited employment opportunities also contribute to the issue. Additionally, many protected areas have been overruled by concessions sold to companies for mining and agroindustrial plantations. This situation poses a severe threat to the sustainability of forest reserves and the local communities that rely on them.

The Royal Government of Cambodia adopted the National REDD+ Strategy to combat climate change effects by improving natural resources and forest areas. This program allows private companies to purchase and protect carbon stocks as part of their climate commitments or corporate social responsibility. These projects generate funding for protected area management and offer sustainable land use alternatives to economic land concessions. Since 2016, Cambodia has received over US$11 million from carbon credits. The country also submits national forest reference levels to the UNFCCC to assess performance for results-based payments.

Cambodia utilizes hydro-power as a source of energy. There are specific hydroelectric dams located in the country, such as the Lower Se San 2 Dam and the Stung Treng Dam. The country also possesses total renewable water resources. These resources contribute to the nation's energy landscape. This information is part of the country's natural resource profile.

Cambodia has seen significant changes in its CO2 emissions per capita since the mid-1980s. In 1985, the emissions level was recorded at 0.06911169. There was a notable increase in the figures starting around 2006. By 2020, the emissions per capita reached 1.2550187. Recent data for 2024 shows the level at 1.2405994.

Drinking bottled water is a common way to stay hydrated, but it can generate piles of waste plastic bottle waste. To avoid this, you can choose to boil your water to sterilize it instead. Boiling water is an effective method that does not taint the taste. This approach helps reduce the environmental impact of plastic consumption. It is a practical alternative for those looking to minimize their waste during their travels.

While cheap bottled water is available in any town or village, it can generate piles of waste plastic bottle waste. To avoid this, you can boil water to sterilize it without creating extra plastic. The water in jugs at cafes or restaurants has typically been boiled, as has the tea. If you are visiting rural areas, you might also consider using water purification tablets or iodine to sterilize water. Staying hydrated by drinking 2-3 litres of water per day is important for travelers.

The economic development of Cambodia has led to various environmental challenges. This progress has resulted in urban development and water pollution across the country. Additionally, deforestation and mountain exploitation for quarries have occurred alongside these changes. These factors are part of a broader shift toward modern ideologies and development. Such changes are currently driving a certain peril to both culture and biodiversity.

Sandy materials cover a large proportion of the Cambodian landscape due to the siliceous sedimentary formations underneath the country. Mesozoic sandstone dominates most of the basement geology and has a major influence on the properties of upland soils. While sandy surface textures are common among the most prevalent soil groups, deep sandy soils known as Arenosols are mapped on only 1.6% of the land area. Higher quality soils can be found at higher elevations where mixed deciduous and semi-evergreen forests occur. These areas provide diverse vegetation and habitats for local wildlife.

Earthquakes have been felt in Cambodia according to recent reports. Tremors from these seismic events have also been experienced in neighboring regions such as Vietnam, Laos, and parts of Malaysia. In some nearby cities, the shaking caused people to evacuate buildings. While the provided information details damage in other areas, it confirms that the tremors were indeed felt within Cambodia.

Flood movement across the landscape is determined by water levels rather than flow rates or volumes. The Tonle Sap flooded area varies significantly, reaching a low of around 2,700 km2 in April and expanding to 26,000 km2 by October or November. Inflow begins in May or June and is amplified by annual monsoon precipitation. During November, the lake reaches its maximum size as the annual monsoon ceases. At this time, the Tonle Sap River reverses its direction to drain the lake's basin into the Mekong River.

Climate change is leading to increased drought in Cambodia. This trend is having major impacts on the Tonlé Sap and Mekong deltas. These water systems are highly important for water, agriculture and fishing in the country. The probability of droughts is expected to rise from 4% annually to between 5% and 9% during the period of 2080-2099 under all scenarios. Cambodia remains highly vulnerable to these changes due to its high rate of poverty.

The low tide level of the river in Cambodia is lower than the high tide level out at sea. Because of this, the flow of the Mekong inverts with the tides throughout its stretch in Vietnam and up to Phnom Penh. This tidal influence is a significant characteristic of the river system. The river's movement is closely tied to these sea level changes. This process continues through the stretch of the river reaching up to Phnom Penh.

Cambodia supports more than 3,000 identified plant species, many of which are endemic to unique local ecosystems. The Tonlé Sap Great Lake is a key component of this biodiversity and provides exceptionally productive fish habitat. This lake hosts globally significant colonies of endangered waterbirds, including the Spot-billed Pelican and the Milky Stork. Additionally, the Tonlé Sap floodplain supports more than half of the global population of the critically endangered Bengal Florican. Diverse habitats such as the Cardamom and Dâmrei Mountains also sustain a variety of plant species.

The clown knifefish is native to the tropical fresh waters of the Mekong Basin, which includes Cambodia. While it is a native species in this region, it is widely known to be an invasive species outside of its native range. These fish have been introduced to new waters through aquaculture and aquarium trading. They are often released into the wild either accidentally or deliberately by ornamental fish breeders. Once introduced to non-native areas, their ability to tolerate polluted and salty water allows them to prey on endemic and endangered species.

Hunting in Cambodia is a popular recreational pursuit and tourist activity, but it remains a livelihood for many people. Historically, hunting had a long tradition of being prohibited and reserved for the King. Elephant hunting was considered the most noble form of hunting and followed its own specific codes and ethics. Archaeological evidence from Angkor Wat shows that the use of the Austroasiatic crossbow was an ancestral practice. During the French protectorate, hunting laws were applied that included specific closed seasons. In the past, avid hunters even traveled from places like Saigon or the Philippines to hunt tigers, panthers, and wild boar.

The Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve contains an enormous wetland area that supports a tremendous amount of biodiversity. These wetlands serve as an important breeding area for fish from the lake and the Mekong River. The ecosystem includes various plants, reptiles, mammals, and birds. The reserve was established to contribute to the conservation of fishery and animal species. This unique ecological phenomenon is linked to the Mekong River through the Tonle Sap River.

Lake Yeak Laom is a popular tourist destination located in a protected area near Banlung town. The entrance fee for Cambodian nationals is $0.25. For international visitors, the cost to enter is $2. Visitors can bring their own food or purchase items from local stalls. The area also features handicraft stores at the entrance selling various local goods.

Conservation International Cambodia has been working in the country since 2001 to undertake various biodiversity conservation activities. Their efforts include forest and protected-area conservation as well as freshwater conservation linked to Tonle Sap. They manage programmes in the Cardamom Mountains landscape and Veun Sai-Siem Pang National Park. Additionally, they participate in conservation finance initiatives such as REDD+ projects in the Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary landscape. These activities often combine biodiversity protection with land-use planning and rural livelihood support.

One notable national NGO is Save Cambodia's Wildlife, which was founded in 1999 and registered in 2002. This organization works to protect natural resources and wildlife habitats throughout the country. They focus on issues such as climate change, deforestation, illegal logging, and poaching. Their approach involves conservation through education using teaching programs and awareness campaigns. They also work on sustainable natural resource management and alternative livelihood options.

Kirirom National Park is located about 120 kilometres west of the national capital, Phnom Penh. Established in 1993, it is the first officially designated national park in Cambodia. The area is situated on a plateau in the eastern part of the Cardamom Mountains. It features dense pine forests which are unusual for the country. Visitors can also find orchids, ferns, and various animal species in this park.

Sand dredging in oceans and rivers can lead to the destruction of coral reefs. This activity also causes the loss of entire beaches and shorelines. Such environmental damage can increase the risks of floods and lead to the loss of biodiversity. Additionally, sand mining is at least in part responsible for observed decreases in fisheries production. These processes significantly impact both the physical and biological environments of marine systems.

The movement of water across the landscape is determined by water levels rather than flow rates. The Tonle Sap flooded area varies significantly, reaching a low of around 2,700 km2 in April. By October or November, the area can expand to 26,000 km2 with depths up to 9 meters. Inflow begins in May or June and is amplified by the annual monsoon precipitation. This process causes the Tonle Sap River to flow in opposite directions for six months each year.

Some organizations in Cambodia offer programs that focus on environmental awareness. For example, the Shinta Mani Foundation and the VegVoyages Foundation run an after-school program in rural areas. This program is designed to strengthen English language skills among participants. It also teaches important topics such as conscious living, compassion, and animal welfare. Additionally, the curriculum includes lessons on recycling, environment protection, and better health.