Communal authorities in Banteay Meanchey province have teamed up with the provincial environment department and development partners to dig an artificial canal which will link to a lake within a popular conservation area.
The new infrastructure will enable bird watchers to travel by boat as they admire the area’s unique wildlife.
The Chhnour Meanchey commune authority, in Preah Netr Preah district, dug the over 2km canal, which will carry passengers into the heart of the Rohal Kes protected area, also known as Avien.
Commune chief Khong Bun explained that there was an existing canal, but it provided poor access for ornithologists, as it tended to drain into the lake during the dry season, leaving it muddy and impassable. At his behest, the authorities elected to construct a new canal.
“We have begun digging near the parking lot of the protected community head office. The work was partially funded by a grant of $1,000 from one of our partner organisations, while I was able to raise the rest of the financing through appeals to various philanthropists. Based on our plans, the project will cost around $2,500,” he said.
According to the commune chief, when the protected avian area was established, there were few roads or canals that provided access for tourists.
He explained that the Rohal Kes protected area covers 28ha of water and land, and is home to many species of bird, some of them rare and endangered.
Some of the species that visitors to the sanctuary can expect to see include open-billed storks, cormorants, Oriental darters, ibis, wild ducks, spot-billed pelicans, purple swamphens, watercocks and common moorhens.
Bun said the community attracts many tourists who want to see the birds and enjoy the scenery, especially on weekends and public holidays.
He hoped that that the new canal would draw even more guests to the area, noting that an increase in visitor numbers will boost the local economy.
Ministry of Environment spokesperson Khvay Atitya described the Rohal Kes community as a success story, due to the large number of birds living there. He attributed this to the excellent work by park rangers and the protected area community members.
“The birds attract tourists both from nearby and further afield. Improving the transport infrastructure will make it easier for visitors to enjoy it,” he said.
