Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Ministries collaborate on eco-tourism policy

Ministries collaborate on eco-tourism policy

Holidaymakers swim at an eco-tourism site in Siem Reap province. Photo supplied
Holidaymakers swim at an eco-tourism site in Siem Reap province. Photo supplied

Ministries collaborate on eco-tourism policy

The Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Environment expect to complete a national draft eco-tourism policy by August to coincide with the second National Forum on the Protection and Conservation of Natural Resources, an environment official said yesterday.

Both ministries met for the first time yesterday to discuss the policy, which was initiated by the Ministry of Tourism and is designed to promote eco-tourism in the Kingdom, said Ministry of Environment spokesman Sao Sopheap. “We aim to [complete it], but the time frame from now until August is very near,” he said.

Cambodia’s 7.5 million hectares of natural protected areas represent a “tremendous potential for eco-tourism”, he added, maintaining the move would diversify the Kingdom’s tourism sites, contribute to conservation and boost local and national economies.

During yesterday’s meeting, leaders from both ministries suggested forming a joint working group to oversee eco-tourism development, Sopheap said. Prior to the meeting, both ministries only had infrequent consultations on the policy.

Tourism officials referred questions to Secretary of State Tith Chantha, who did not respond to a request for comment. Sopheap said the draft policy will not be made public until it is finalised.

MOST VIEWED

  • Wing Bank opens new branch in front of Orkide The Royal along Street 2004

    Wing Bank celebrates first anniversary as commercial bank with launch of brand-new branch. One year since officially launching with a commercial banking licence, Wing Bank on March 14 launched a new branch in front of Orkide The Royal along Street 2004. The launch was presided over by

  • Girl from Stung Meanchey dump now college grad living in Australia

    After finishing her foundational studies at Trinity College and earning a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Melbourne in 2022, Ron Sophy, a girl who once lived at the Stung Meanchey garbage dump and scavenged for things to sell, is now working at a private

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Wat Phnom hornbills attract tourists, locals

    Thanks to the arrival of a friendly flock of great hornbills, Hour Rithy, a former aviculturist – or raiser of birds – in Kratie province turned Phnom Penh tuk tuk driver, has seen a partial return to his former profession. He has become something of a guide

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one