Environmental Problems in Cambodia - Essay Example

Environmental Problems in Cambodia: A Critical Review There are numerous environmental problems that affect the of Cambodia. Soil degradation,air and water pollution, pesticide misuse, overpopulation, wildlife extinction, threatened biodiversity and deforestation: these are all significant problems in Cambodia. With a population of more than 13 million people, such problems are of great relevance and importance, and must be dealt with in order to maintain the most positive possible about the state's condition. The aim of this paper is to thoroughly discuss the issues of deforestation and wildlife extinction in Cambodia, as well as the key elements that relate to this subject matter. This is what will be dissertated in the following. One of Cambodia's major natural resources is its forests, but illegal logging has severely hurt this industry. Both the environmental groups Global Witness and Friends of the Earth have collected videotape testimony of logging officials admitting to the illegal exportation of timber. Vietnam stated that the government "firmly respects the forestry policy of Cambodia and has advised all provinces and competent authorities to carry out the Vietnamese Prime Minister's order to ban logging exports to Vietnam." (Vietnamese 'Furniture' Plundered from Cambodian Forests, p.2). The issue of deforestation in Cambodia is a major one, not only because of the fact that their forests are one of their major natural resources, but also because the act of deforestation takes away from another problem they are experiencing, which is wildlife extinction. Many measures have been taken in an attempt to at least cut down the element of deforestation, considering how terribly damaging it is to Cambodia as a whole. In February of 1999, the Prime Minister of Cambodia even tried to pass measures to crack down on illegal logging, and as well he asked for donors to give money in order to help protect the forests. "But despite the measures taken and an estimated 1.3 billion dollars in aid, Global Witness says that the illegal logging and exportation continue." (Leggett, n.d.). The root cause of the deforestation which is taking place in Cambodia seems most likely to consist of many elements. Not only a combination of governmental mismanagement and corruption and economic development, but also the ever-widening gap between classes continue to cause deforestation across Cambodia. The significance of forests both for their natural resources as well as for their innate beauty continues to decline, and environmental protection remains undervalued. Although there is not one sole cause, the element of guerilla factions can for the most part be considered as the root cause of Cambodia's deforestation. In regards to these guerilla factions, we are speaking namely of the Party of Democratic Kampuchea or Khmer Rouge. "During the Cambodian conflict, guerilla factions and the State of Cambodia used logging to finance their war efforts. The SOC exported timber to Thailand. Thailand depended on neighboring countries like Cambodia for timber as it had to adhere to a 1989 logging ban." (Think Quest, 2005). Another major environmental problem in Cambodia is that of their wildlife extinction dilemma. This issue includes the wildlife of many different species, including the freshwater dolphin. Wildlife preservation officials are extremely worried that Cambodia's rare freshwater dolphin species will be extinct in the next 10 years; with most of these dolphins dying in fishing nets. Studies have shown that an estimated 10 dolphin calves are born a year, but Fisheries Department data shows that 14 died in 2003, 18 in 2004 and 13 in 2005. Tourism Ministry Secretary of State Thong Khon said the ministry has begun patrols along the river and is further investigating the reasons behind the deaths of the dolphins to prevent their extinctions. Hunting is widely considered to be the greatest immediate threat to wildlife in the Dry Forests, as well as throughout the rest of Cambodia. Although people primarily hunt for local consumption, they also hunt for internal Cambodian meat markets (mainly that of restaurants), and the international wildlife trade, largely to China, Vietnam and Thailand. Again in this situation there are many strategies and methods that can be implemented in order to resolve the crisis. In this case, it is quite obvious that there is a need for a stance to be taken on the issue of hunting, as this is the primary factor to blame in regards to wildlife extinction. As well, in regards to the rare freshwater dolphin extinction fear, issues such as fishing must also be dealt with. Although fishing is certainly not illegal, and is not considered to be a matter which needs to be dealt with, it has been significantly overlooked for quite some time. With the majority of the dolphins being caught and thus dying in fishing nets, it seems only rational and logical that there must be some form of discussion over the issue of fishing. Although there certainly are limited resources in the state of Cambodia, there are many ways and methods which can be implemented in order to lessen the overall negative impact which is taking its toll on Cambodia and to help prepare it for a more sustainable future. This is in regards to not only local governments and businesses, but individual citizens as well. Regardless of how limited some sources may be in this state, there are still practical solutions which can be funded, developed, and implemented. In this situation, the government must step up and take further action, and demand stricter laws enforcing the illegality of illegal timber trade and logging. As for wildlife extinction, the same also relates. Independent citizens are not useless either; by taking a stance against these issues - regardless of whether they are living in Cambodia themselves or not - a better and more hopeful solution can possibly come about. From this review we can see that the issue of deforestation in Cambodia does more than take away one of their most primary resources and indefinite sources of innate beauty; it also significantly affects the already problematic area of wildlife extinction. Both of these issues are of great concern in Cambodia, and must be dealt with before it is too late. The state of Cambodia is one of great beauty and resource, and its significance is widely overlooked across the world. After this review we can see more thoroughly a few of the many dilemmas which are taking place in this state, which makes us realize how significantly worse things will be ten years down the road if left unresolved now. Works Cited Lycos. "Vietnamese Furniture Plundered from Cambodian Forests." Environment News Service. Internet. 14 April 2006 < http://ens.lycos.com/ens/apr99/1999L-04-06-04.html> Leggett, Carter. "Environmental Problems in Cambodia." 14 April 2006 http://www.ccds.charlotte.nc.us/History/Asia/03/legget/legget.html Think Quest. "Deforestation." 2005. 14 April 2006 http://www.tqnyc.org/NYC052139/Asia.htm#Cambodia Read More