Environment Ministry Urges Public Action for Forest Fire Prevention

Environment Ministry calls for public participation in fire prevention during the dry season.
    By:
  • Rin Ousa
  • February 1, 2025, 7:40 PM
  • 00:00 / 00:00

PHNOM PENH—The Environment Ministry called for public participation in fire prevention during the dry season, as fires can threaten the atmosphere, resources, and biodiversity. 

According to Khvay Atitya, spokesperson for the environment ministry, certain fires are caused by people's negligence during activities such as cooking, bee collecting, burning grass, or harvesting forest products.

“If forest fires occur annually, they will lead to the loss of forest resources, flooded forests, and protected natural areas, causing dramatic harm to the economy, environment, and biodiversity,” Atitya said.

As the risk is possibly high during the dry season, the ministry has urged relevant authorities, stakeholders, and the public to prevent illegal land clearing, encroachment, and the destruction of flooded forests. These activities can cause fires and negatively impact public areas.

However, the country has not yet experienced prolonged, large-scale fires. 

Atitya also encouraged people to avoid open burning as such practices lead to air pollution.

Over the past weeks, Cambodia has experienced deteriorating air quality, reaching unhealthy levels.

On February 1, the Ministry reported that the concentration of air pollution particles known as PM2.5 was 66.71 µg/m³ in Cambodia, which is within the recommended standard of 50 µg/m³ for good air quality.

Atitya said it is essential to monitor air quality more closely while urging the public to practice proper waste disposal at home and in public spaces.

Cambodianess

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