Mekong region under threat, report claims
A recent report by the Regional Community Forestry Training Centre (RECOFTC) said villagers living around Srepok Wildlife Sanctuary had recently reported illegal loggers in the forest and they took action by seizing some of the perpetrators’ chainsaws.
The area is protected by the government and the villagers have exclusive rights to its rattan, bamboo and other resources in exchange for their forest patrols.
In the May 5 report, RECOFTC describes threats facing the Mekong region and its people.
According to the report, the main threats are caused by illegal logging, agriculture and infrastructure development.
It said empowering community members to safeguard their interests in protected areas could become the norm.
Ry Sochan
