The second phase of the Ministry of Environment’s zero-snaring campaign will begin in March. The campaign encourages businesses and the public to work together to protect the Kingdom’s remaining wildlife.
Ministry spokesman Neth Pheaktra said the second phase of the campaign was initiated as a result of the success of the original one. The campaign has generated many positive effects and given many people a clearer understanding the impact of trapping animals on biodiversity. People also learned of the importance of Cambodia’s wildlife and stopped trading or consuming bush meat.
Following the first campaign’s lead of running in six provinces, phase II will take place in Kampong Speu, Koh Kong, Pursat, Battambang, Pailin and Siem Reap.
“We need to increase people’s awareness and expand their knowledge. This will change their attitudes towards wildlife trafficking and trapping,” added Pheaktra.
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) country director Seng Teak also lauded the results of the first campaign.
He said there are many reasons why it should continue.
“The first zero-snaring campaign reached more than 3 million people, but there are more people out there who need to learn about the challenges facing the Kingdom’s wildlife – especially the snare crisis,” he said.
He added that many people have requested further education and stiffer law enforcement when it comes to the consumption of wild animals.
“According to initial reports from the six provinces targeted in the first phase of the campaign, the number of snares had dropped from 35,193 to 61,161, an excellent result. However, I am aware that the open trade in bush meat continues in some parts of the country, so further education and enforcement is required,” said Teak.
