prey preah roka
Sawn planks of wood in Prey Preah Roka forest, photographed by the Forest Defenders Project over the weekend.

Preah Vihear Forestry Patrol Finds Hundreds of Felled Trees

Cambodian authorities’ ban on community forest patrols didn’t stop an environmental group from returning to Prey Preah Roka Wildlife Sanctuary over the weekend, where they found hundreds of felled resin trees that they say are vital for the local community.

Land Loss, Microfinance Debts Fuel Prey Preah Roka Destruction

Preah Vihear’s Prey Preah Roka Wildlife Sanctuary is dotted with clearings and fresh stumps. As a local patroller walks through the protected forest, he points out dozens of logged areas, many now being cultivated by local residents. Some say they were pushed out from plantation land or are struggling with debt.