| Home |
| About Us |
| The Problem |
| Projects |
| Self Help |
| Achievements |
| Cambodia |
| Gallery |
| Support Us |
| Contact Us |
| Thank Yous |
|
One of the biggest dangers to the forest, besides illegal land encroachment and illegal logging, is the production of tree oils using vats in the area of the Multiple Use Area – Samlaut. (The local name of the tree is Moreas prov.) CVD mutually agreed with the government (Ref: MOU dated August 7th 2003) to cooperate in the protection and rehabilitation of the wildlife, eco-system and watershed conservation values in Samlaut region of Battambang province and Pailin municipality. In order to ensure the objectives of the environmental conservation project to reach the expected outcomes, CVD has become one of the main activists seeking cooperation from stakeholders, especially the local authorities, for taking action against the illegal tree oil production activities. CVD arranged for a fly-over of the tree oil production areas in mid 2004. Also along for the flight was His Excellency Prach Chann, the Provincial Governor, His Excellency General Bun Seng, the General of 5th Military Region and Mr. Chhay Samith, Director of National Conservation Department of the Environmental Ministry. After the fly-over we identified that the threat of deforestation is heading for dangerous levels. We saw illegal tree oil production activities which involved the cutting down of a large amount of trees, including young trees used for burning fuel and over hundred year old trees steamed for oil, in the protected areas. 
Click to enlarge For a long time after we found obvious signs of violation of environmental law, abused by groups of illegal traders. We started seeking help from the locals to take action and intervene to stop those illegal actions, but unfortunately we have never been able to receive a lot of cooperation. We then assumed that some of the local authorities may gain interest in such actions. Alternatively, we changed the strategy to seek indirect support at a higher level, a national level, which has the authorities to enforce the discontinuation of this tree oil production effectively. CVD raised the issues via local, regional, and national newspapers, television and radio broadcastings. The result of our efforts were shown to the National Senate, Parliament members and the Government Leader, who had shown great interest in the issue and finally decided to take immediate action toward the eradication of this illegal action. On December 18th 2005 there was a live interview with the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers by local and international newspapers and TV reporters regarding illegal tree oil production in Samlaut. There was a very straight forward action by the Prime Minister who gave green light to the local authorities to network for a complete destruction of all means of the tree oil production business. The operation was delayed until full commencement took place on December 28th 2005 and continued up to January 4th 2006. The result of this dangerous operation, involving the armed Military, Civil Police and Military Police, was the confiscation of 53 pots (tanks) of which 24 were destroyed up to date. Please note that to destruction of such pots requires a large amount of TNT (powerful explosive) to initiate the explosions. They said that there were at least 91 pots still remaining in the forest. In that operation at least 743 people involved in illegal tree oil production activities were arrested, and those were later identified to be the local laborers. The Police made an official statement that they cannot arrest the backing persons (those who supply the money) although they know that there are at least 4 who are behind these illegal tree oil production activities. From CVD's perspective we would like to see this as a real operation toward the protection of our nature. But it would be very sad if we heard that it only happened because the order was made by the Prime Minister, and the remaining pots are left in the forest to restart the business again after a while. We are still waiting to hear of any further action toward the 4 suspects and how the police knows the exact number of 91 remaining pots. We hope that all these efforts were not just made because of the direct command from the Prime Minister. Just for your information, each pot size is approximately 2 meters in diameter and weighs about 2-3 metric tonnes. To transport those pots over to the location they must use a big truck, giant construction crane and travel across main roads, police checkpoints etc. So how can they are all be transported to their destination unnoticed? |
|
Click to enlarge |
|
|
|
Cambodian Vision in Development
Battambang, Cambodia