Cambodia pilots sustainable eco-tourism development project in seven provinces

PhnomPenh (VNA) - The Cambodian government has set up an inter-ministerial working group to pick seven provinces for a landscape sustainability project to promote eco-tourism development in the country.

Both Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Rural Development joined the inter-ministerial working group, helping to improve infrastructure and sustainable development in seven provinces, namely Kampong Speu, Koh Kong, Kampong Chhnang, Pursat, Battambang, Siem Reap and Kampong Thom.

Areas to be included in the plan include the Oral Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, the Central and Southern Cardamom Mountain National Park, Tatai Wildlife, the Cardamom Mountain Biodiversity Conservation Corridor and the Tonle Sap Lake Multi-Purpose Area.

The project will include the installation of border posts, the construction of park ranger stations and the opening of three information centres. The aim of the project is to improve the lives of local people and create demand for non-timber forest products.

The Cambodian government is working on the project with private company Emerging 360.

According to Secretary of State at the Ministry of Environment Sao Sopheap, through the preparation, expansion and restoration of infrastructure as well as sustainable tourism development plans, the targeted provinces will attract more domestic and foreign tourists which will help the industry and improve the incomes of local residents as well.

The project will run until 2025 with the support of the World Bank./.