Boundary markers create concerns for indigenous people
The Bunong indigenous people in Mondulkiri province have expressed concerns about deforestation in the Phnom Nam Lyr Wildlife Sanctuary after a forest community spotted machinery in an off-limits area and noticed markers planted in the surrounding land.
But an environment official claimed the machinery was being used to repair a road in the area.
Yun Lorong, the secretary of the provincial Bunong Indigenous People Alliance, told The Post on Wednesday that the machinery was found in Dakdam commune’s Pou Les village and that portions of the forest were secretly cleared.
“Besides the excavator, the community observed markers being planted throughout a vast section of land spanning hundreds of hectares. The markers are about 1km from the environmental protection headquarters,” he said.
Khorn Savi
