Sre Ambel District Authority Gives Green Light to an Influential Duke to Dredge Flooded Forest and Mangrove Forest
Posted By
Pen Srey Neat
November 6, 2022

Cambodia News, (Koh Kong): Local fishermen from Koh Kong province have contacted journalists and sent pictures to the media to sound the alarm over the activities of 3 sand dredgers clearing the flooded mangrove forest in Dong Peng Commune, on the orders of Tycoon Mean Ker. The tycoon was apparently given permission by the Sre Ambel District Authority to fill in 1 hectare of flooded forest, but local witnesses say that the works have already encroached on dozens of hectares of protected mangroves.

According to local fishermen, the flooded mangrove forest is home to fish, crabs, lobsters, prawns, snails, clams, as well as nesting sites for sea birds. They are concerned that the sand dredging will destroy the eco-system of the mangroves. The mangroves also protect the coastline, acting as a barrier between sea and shore.

The fishermen in Dong Peng commune, Sre Ambel district, Koh Kong province, ask the media to help publish the illegal dredging activities to inform the Governor of Koh Kong province, so that he will send officials to investigate whether the extent of the dredging is more than 1 hectare, and therefore in breach of the contract:
" Therefore, Lok Chumteav Say Phu Thong Mithona, please send an inspection team to inspect and research the location of the sand dredging site. Is there a legal permit? And how big? And does the land have a title deed in accordance with the law that allows the relevant authorities to pump sand to clear flooded forest and mangrove forest, which is home to spawning fish?"


Sources from the area said that the machines that are used to pump water, dredge, clear flooded forests and mangrove forest land belong to a person who is so powerful and influential that no local officials dare to report or criticize his actions, and they will not answer questions by reporters. This is why the local people feel they must appeal through the media, asking the Governor of Koh Kong province to intercede in person to prevent further destruction of the mangroves.
Copyright: Sovannarith
- CEN

Well, let's hope this Duke does something useful like build a big undercover parking lot!

Sre Ambel district is in the news again, with another article from CEN news on another "powerful tycoon" who is destroying Koh Kong's mangroves with impunity:

A powerful tycoon with money poured land into the sea and built illegal structures at Sre Ambel
November 7, 2022

Cambodia News, (Sre Ambel, Koh Kong province): A powerful tycoon with money has illegally cut down a mangrove forest, flooded the land, poured land into the sea, and built solid structures at Khsach Krahorm village, Chikh Krom commune, Sre Ambel district, Koh Kong province, without relevant officials doing anything to prevent it.

Residents of Khsach Krahorm village, Chikh Krom commune, Sre Ambel district, Koh Kong province, have expressed dissatisfaction with powerful people who cut down mangrove forests and dump land into the sea, destroying their environment. The villagers call on Koh Kong top officials to intervene with professional officers to inspect this location and stop the illegal actions.


According to the official, who asked not to be named, the powerful man responsible for the destruction is named Pok. The same man said that when some local officials went along to inspect the site, they were given money in exchange for covering up this scandal. And he said, that in addition to bribing official inspectors, the tycoon also gives a lot of money to certain journalists in exchange for keeping quiet, because he is afraid of the reaction of the provincial governor or other highly-placed authorities if the news leaks out.

How does Mr Pok Ang have the power to cut down protected mangrove forests, dump land into the sea, and illegally build permanent structures on the shoreline without fear of the law? Is he being protected by local authorities ?
Mr. Chea Chankanha, the Sre Ambel District Governor, could not be reached for comment.
Source: CEN

With the Chinese Dara Sakor development happening down that way, presumably, a nice big highway will be constructed to service Dara Sakor and beyond. These guys would be taking advantage of that road to build a place where the Khmer tourists can laze over the water (as they seem to enjoy).

It's just sad though that they don't see the value of the mangroves (in other words 'the forest for the trees').

Owner of Virak Bun Tham Transport Company was building illegal development on Koh Sdech
November 13, 2022, by daily-khmer
Cambodia News, (Koh Kong province): For some time now, Mr. Oknha Sour Virak, the owner and General Director of Virak Bun Tham Express Company, has been building a resort and bungalows on Koh Sdech and also a stone port, but without first obtaining planning permission from the provincial authorities. As a result, the tycoon's development project has been ordered to stop work, pending an investigation.

In the past, business people in the area have questioned why the development of the tycoon Sour Virak is not bound by the law.The local people requested that the Governor of Koh Kong Province, Ms. Mithona Bouthong, and the provincial authorities should take action in this case, so that the problem of illegal investment does not become a bad habit for the future. At the same time, the villagers are keen to see the oknha investing money there to attract tourists and create business opportunities, as long as he abides by the law.

Recently, Mr. Sour Virak told the local media that he sees the potential of tourism in Koh Sdech and wants to participate in the development together with the people of the district in order to have a better life together.
He added that the project is planned to continue once the legal details are respected.

Campaign to Save Koh Kong Island
Once gone, wilderness does not come back.
There is an on-going campaign by Cambodians to Save Koh Kong Island (Cambodia's largest island) from development such as the destruction which has taken place in the Botum Sakor National Park and on the Koh Kong mainland coastal area.
This video, first released in 2019, is more relevent than ever.

The Save Koh Kong Island campaign aims to introduce people to the beauty and importance of this special island, and to elevate its status, especially in the hearts and minds of Cambodians, so it can be preserved in its natural state for future generations to enjoy.

By raising the profile of Koh Kong Island, more people will know about it, which will help highlight its value and ensure that it remains beautiful because it will be harder for private interests to quietly exploit.

This campaign aims to encourage the Ministry of Environment to declare Koh Kong Island as a national park or protected area so it can be protected under Cambodian law and fully preserved.

Photos: https://www.mothernaturecambodia.org/sa ... land2.html