Cambodia
is a country rich in natural resources. Its variety of
habitats supports numerous species, many of which are endangered
and threatened regionally or globally. Remaining forest
habitats, especially in the north, rank among the largest
remaining expanses of this forest type left in the region.
Wetlands, providing refuge for a diversity of large water
birds and mammals, are also under threat. Globally important
species present in Cambodia include tigers, spotted leopards,
elephants, banteng, sarus cranes, clouded leopards, and
Siamese crocodiles.
Sadly, most of these systems face a variety of threats
and much destruction has already occurred. In 1965, forests
were estimated to cover 73% of Cambodia’s land area.
Recent estimates suggest that figure is now less than 60%
and continues to decline. Logging rates, now that peace
has returned, are among the highest in the region. Forestry
is a valuable natural resource to the national economy
and an important source of income for the 80% of Cambodians
living in rural areas. However, a failure to effectively
manage and sustain this important resource can only result
in disaster in the years ahead.
Cambodia’s is also country with globally significant
freshwater rivers and streams, including the Mekong and
Tonle Sap. Ecologically important wetlands cover about
30% of Cambodia’s land area. Equally important, these
water resources serve as source of income and food for
the country’s poor. For many of the rural poor, fish
and aquatic species make up 70% of their protein intake.
The Mekong, and its tributaries and the Tonle Sap are home
to irreplaceable species that cannot be found anywhere
else. Again, poor watershed management and illegal and
unsustainable fishing practices will lead to a decline
in the size and abundance of freshwater fish and threaten
the livelihood of large segments of Cambodia’s population.
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