The government issued a sub-decree establishing natural heritage sites and demarcating “Nokor Phnom Cheu Kach Ba Phnom” as a historical and cultural heritage site. The site covers more than 125ha in Choeung Phnom Chheu Kach and Rong Damrei communes, Ba Phnom district, Prey Veng province.
Signed by Prime Minister Hun Sen on August 3, the sub-decree states that its aim is to protect the area from urbanisation, uphold traditional cultural heritage values, and defend the natural heritage, as Nokor Phnom played a significant role in the ancient Khmer Empire.
It said that in addition, the purpose of establishing the sites was to protect precious ecosystems for the benefit of all future generations, and protect and conserve biodiversity, natural landscapes, cultural landscapes and shrines so they could be used for, recreation, as well as scientific and historical research.
It stated that Nokor Phnom Cheu Kach Ba Phnom spanned 125,277.5ha and would be established as a natural heritage site and demarcated as “Nokor Phnom Chheu Kach Ba Phnom”, consisting of nine locations.
The sub-decree stated that the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Culture shall be responsible for managing the sites, in collaboration with any necessary ministries, institutions, the Prey Veng provincial administration and local communities.
The government also instructed the Prey Veng provincial administration to establish a permanent working group made up of relevant departments, local authorities, the Department of Environment and the Department of Culture and Fine Arts.
This working group will be tasked with leading, protecting, conserving and developing the area. The provincial administration shall prepare a budget for the operation of the working group.
