Cambodia Cracks Down on Environmental Crimes, Stops Nearly 1,000 Cases in Six Months

Cambodia Cracks Down on Environmental Crimes, Stops Nearly 1,000 Cases in Six Months

Cambodian authorities say they have stepped up efforts to protect the country’s natural resources, suppressing nearly 1,000 environmental crimes during the first half of 2026 through intensified nationwide enforcement.

According to the Ministry of Environment, officials conducted 5,953 patrols across the country between January and June, leading to the detection and suppression of 967 offences linked to illegal activities affecting forests, wildlife, fisheries and protected land.

The ministry noted that the figure represents a slight decline from the same period last year, attributing the improvement to stronger public awareness, closer collaboration among government agencies and growing support from local communities in protecting the environment.

Forestry offences accounted for the largest share of the cases, followed by illegal hunting, forest land encroachment, fisheries violations and unauthorized mining activities.

Enforcement teams also confiscated a wide range of equipment allegedly used in the offences, including excavators, motorcycles, boats and hundreds of chainsaws.

Officers further removed thousands of illegal snares and electric trapping devices while recovering 99 firearms, most of them locally manufactured.

The crackdown resulted in 44 arrests, while 74 cases were forwarded to the courts for prosecution.

The Ministry of Environment said the operations are part of its broader strategy to safeguard Cambodia’s forests, wildlife and biodiversity while promoting sustainable environmental management.

Alongside law enforcement, the ministry is encouraging greater public participation through initiatives such as its “Green Sprouts” campaign, which provides free tree seedlings for planting in schools, communities, religious centres and degraded forest areas.

Officials said the government is also working with partner agencies and local communities to strengthen conservation efforts, promote sustainable livelihoods and ensure that Cambodia’s natural resources are preserved for future generations.