King Norodom Sihamoni signed off a royal decree to establish Phnom Tamao area as zoo, protected area and phytosanitary park, covering a total of 2,025ha in Bati district of Takeo province.

The royal decree signed on August 19 said that the zoo, protected area and park will be established to ensure sustainability of the protection of the forest and wildlife; the rescue, treatment and rehabilitation of wildlife, and education, research and tourism.

The area is divided into three categories: The wildlife sanctuary area of 1,021ha, the phytosanitary area for luxury woods of 530ha and another 474ha for the rescue, treatment and rehabilitation of wildlife, education, research and tourism.

“The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is tasked with the management of Phnom Tamao Zoo, protected area, and phytosanitary park and must set up a plan to manage the area and develop it to make it sustainable,” the royal decree said.