Cambodia, US commit to tech cooperation to combat forest crimes

Environment minister Eang Sophalleth (left) meets with Devineni Udaykiran, acting attaché for Cambodia of the US Homeland Security Investigations, on August 3. Environment ministry

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Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment and the US have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation on the use of advanced technology to improve the monitoring, investigation and suppression of forest-related crimes, as part of broader efforts to protect the Kingdom’s natural resources.

Environment minister Eang Sophalleth met with Devineni Udaykiran, acting attaché for Cambodia at the US Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) office in Ho Chi Minh City, on August 3 at the ministry headquarters.

The discussions centred on the application of advanced technologies to monitor, investigate and prevent forest crimes more effectively.

Sophalleth reaffirmed the Cambodian government’s commitment to protecting the country’s natural resources. He also insisted that the environment ministry has consistently taken legal action against all offences involving natural resources, without exception.

He noted that every case of alleged wrongdoing is compiled into a legal dossier and referred to the courts for further proceedings.

Alongside legal enforcement, the minister highlighted the implementation of the government’s Environmental Sector Circular Strategy, particularly its “Greenness 2.1” component, which focuses on restoring and expanding Cambodia’s forest cover.

He explained that the ministry has also introduced technology-based monitoring systems as a strategic tool to strengthen the protection and conservation of natural resources, with the aim of improving both effectiveness and long-term sustainability.

Udaykiran praised the ministry’s efforts and firm enforcement measures. He reaffirmed the commitment of the HSI to supporting and expanding cooperation with Cambodia through capacity building and the provision of advanced technologies.

He said such cooperation would contribute to the fight against natural resource crimes while supporting the sustainable conservation and management of Cambodia’s natural resources.

Approximately 41 per cent of Cambodia is protected conservation land.

-Phnom Penh Post-