Cambodia accused of being ‘major market’ for wildlife trafficking
Cambodia accused of being ‘major market’ for wildlife trafficking
Nop Sreymao, Khmer Times
July 18, 2024
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries is conducting an
investigation following the allegation by the Thai police that Cambodia is
the main market for illegal wildlife trafficking.
Ministry of Agriculture Spokeswoman Im Rachna told Khmer Times on Wednesday
that “the issue is being investigated”, adding that no further information
would be released at this time.
However, the accusation has not been denied or accepted yet.
Two suspects were arrested on Tuesday for the illegal trade of two tiger
cubs and almost 100 kilogrammes of elephant tusks. The duo claimed that
Cambodia is the main market for such illegal trade, according to the
Bangkok Post.
Thai police emphasised that they have enough evidence to prove that
Cambodia is the main market for such trafficking.
“We believe that the two cubs are from a tiger farm in Sri Racha district
(in Chon Bori province). We have strong evidence from (online) chat
messages. The farm’s main market is Cambodia,” National Park Office
Director Chaiwat Limlikhitaksorn told the Post on Tuesday.
In response, Khvay Atitya, Spokesman for Cambodia’s Ministry of
Environment, told Khmer Times on Wednesday that Cambodia maintains a strong
position on prohibiting wildlife trafficking and is committed to 100% law
enforcement.
“We are committed to 100% law enforcement when it comes to the illegal
trade of wildlife,” he said. “Our efforts were also made to boost
cooperation with the local authorities to ensure the effectiveness of
natural resource protection nationwide.”
He added that the Ministry has not only provided a map to identify
protected areas so that security forces can participate more effectively in
enforcing the law but also cooperates very closely with the anti-corruption
unit, Military Police, and related authorities in providing timely
intervention.
The Cambodian government has made great efforts in the preservation of
wildlife species in Cambodia, as in Phase II of the Zero-Snaring Campaign
initiated by the Ministry of Environment, which successfully ended last
June and boosted awareness about wildlife protection, stopped bush meat
trafficking, and curtailed snaring in protected areas.