Chhnour Meanchey commune authorities in Banteay Meanchey province’s Preah Netr Preah district are planning to build new roads and waterways in June to improve access to the Rohal Kes Avien protected sanctuary. It is hoped that the improved access will increase the number of visitors,both foreign and domestic.
Commune hall first deputy chief Khong Bun said on April 19 that after identifying the need to develop the sanctuary – and in response to the public’s wishes – authorities planned to construct roads and waterways with a total length of 5km from National Road 6 to the sanctuary.
Bun said that a 3km section of road would run from the national road to a parking lot at the village of a local fishing community. From there, a 2km waterway would take tourists on the final leg to the sanctuary.
Commune authorities intend to turn the protected area into a tourist attraction, to provide locals with an alternative to fishing as an income source, he added.
“We have observed that fishing for a living can only provide a limited income, so the authorities initiated the idea of developing the site into a tourist attraction. People will come here to fish, and enjoy boat rides, forest treks and the rich birdlife,” he said.
According to Bun, the protected site is divided into two areas: one for the conservation of fish and the other for birds, spanning 5ha and 23ha respectively.
Commune authorities plan to expand the area in the future, but the expansion will not affect the people dwelling there.
“With the proposed expansion, we won’t encroach on people’s land, but we will replant flooded forest in any place that people have encroached on, whether land, lakes, rivers or canals. We will also coordinate with the local people to use vacant land to expand the sanctuary,” he said.
Commune authorities said the sanctuary was recognised as a protected area by the Banteay Meanchey provincial administration in January 2020.
The sanctuary contains more than 10 species of birds, the most common of which are the Asian openbill. Cormorants, herons, ibis, and peacocks are also found there, while the largest species is the pelican.
San Preun, a bird conservationist in the sanctuary, said on April 19 that he was happy to learn that the commune authorities had complied with the people’s wishes to construct a road. It provided new hopes for financial growth; because when access is improved there should be a greater number of visitors – meaning the potential to earn money was greater.
He said that fishing alone could not improve their livelihoods, especially as fishing was only possible outside of the conservation areas and catches were sometimes uncertain.
“If the authorities complete this plan, we’ll be able to earn extra income, because visitors spend money. We might run boat tours, sell food, or just transport tourists around the area. I am very excited to hear that the project is going ahead. I am going to start a new business,” he said.
