The 13th regional forum on the protection and preservation of natural resources was organized in the city of Battambang on May 13 to promote the participation of authorities and communities at the subnational level.
The Battambang provincial administration said the forum was chaired by Phay Bunchhoeun, state secretary in the environment ministry.
Provincial Governor Sok Lou said the forum is part of government policy to promote the participation of local communities, sub-national authorities and relevant stakeholders in the protection, management and conservation of natural resources to increase benefits for local communities.
The forum was also an opportunity to share experiences and explore all the ways to create jobs and thus improve the livelihoods of local communities.
Lou hoped that the forestry and fishing communities would actively participate in the protection and preservation of the natural resources and ecosystem of Battambang province.
The governor thanked the ministry for organizing the forum in Battambang, which he said is rich in agricultural land and natural resources.
Bunchhoeun said the protection and preservation of natural resources and biodiversity cannot be considered a success if people’s livelihoods have not been improved.
To this end, his ministry is actively fulfilling its mission in the management and protection of natural resources and biodiversity to ensure the balance between the environment and food security, the socio-economy and public health.
Bunchhoeun said that creating jobs for local communities not only helps improve their livelihoods and the development of the local economy, but also contributes to environmental protection, natural resource management, preservation of biodiversity and sustainable development.
