The Ministry of Environment has outlined three main principles to strengthen green destination goals for sustainable development, during the first meeting of the Working Group on Management and Development of Green Leisure Targets in Protected Areas.
The meeting took place at the ministry early this week under the chairmanship of H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment.
According to the Ministry of Environment, these principles aim to serve the interests of local communities, protect their ownership, and enhance their sustainable livelihoods. The main principles include the following:
1. All local community development projects must prioritise the interests and improvement of the community’s livelihood. This entails obtaining community approval for all developments, ensuring harmony between the project and the community, and empowering the community to be self-reliant.
2. All development projects must contribute to the protection of both protected areas and local communities. Project owners are
required to collaborate with communities to prevent the violation of protected areas, particularly addressing issues such as illegal logging and crimes related to natural resources, including the risk of wildfires.
3. Implementing environmentally friendly practices within protected areas involves maintaining cleanliness in the air, on land, and in water. This cleanliness, rooted in the consensus of the local community, will be extended to the surrounding environment, benefiting tourists visiting the protected area.
Simultaneously, H.E. Minister Dr. Eang Sophalleth emphasised the importance of maintaining greenery around protected areas by encouraging tourist participation in tree planting initiatives. This approach aims to promote green tourism within the context of national and international tourism.
Additionally, he highlighted the significance of promoting Khmer nationalism by fostering original ideas and not imitating other cultures. This uniqueness attracts foreign tourists to visit and explore the re
gion while safeguarding the rich natural heritage of Cambodia.
Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse