Cambodia adds 18 forests covering 2.67 mln hectares

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has signed a sub-decree on the registration of 18 forests covering a total of 2.67 million hectares as new protested areas, according to an Environment Ministry statement on Tuesday.

"So far, the country has 41 protected forest areas with a total of 5.87 million hectares," the statement said.

It also called on all concerned parties, especially communities, civil society, locals and authorities, to cooperate with the ministry to protect natural resources and conserve biodiversity.

Environment Minister Say Samal said late last month that the establishment of new protected areas clearly showed the government's efforts in protecting and preserving forests and biodiversity.