Phnom penh: Cambodia’s Minister of Environment, H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth, has directed that the development of natural eco-tourism sites must prioritise benefits for local communities before opening to external investment, aligning with a national policy set by Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the minister’s remarks were made during a meeting with the “100 Nights Association,” which presented its plan to establish Koh Sralau as a carbon-neutral island. H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth emphasised that empowering communities to leverage their local assets is crucial for strengthening the grassroots economy and alleviating environmental pressures. ‘Communities must be the primary owners of their destiny by utilising existing local potential,’ the Minister stated.

To achieve the “Carbon-Neutral Island” goal for Koh Sralau, the Ministry of Environment has outlined a detailed, multi-phase strategy. The initial phase requires the community and local authorities to collaborate on a comprehensive cleanup, implementing a waste management system that separates organic material for composting and uses solar-powered incinerators for plastic.

Subsequent phases will focus on constructing essential infrastructure powered by clean energy, followed by initiatives to boost local livelihoods. These include developing eco-tourism, promoting natural crab farming, and expanding the protection and reforestation of mangroves and nipa palms. ‘These measures reflect the Ministry’s response to the vision of Samdech Prime Minister, who wishes to see the sustainable development and prosperity of local communities,’ H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth affirmed.

Koh Sralau, situated in Koh Kong province, is renowned for its dense mangrove forests and rich marine biodiversity. The community of approximately 300 families is largely dependent on these natural resources for its subsistence and economic well-being.