Cambodia and Brazil have committed to a strategic bilateral partnership aimed at dismantling international environmental crime networks, emphasising the enforcement of national and international laws to protect biodiversity for future generations.
The agreement followed a high-level meeting on Monday between Cambodia’s Minister of Environment, H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth, and the Brazilian Ambassador to Cambodia, H.E. Ms. Vivian Loss Sanmartin. The discussions focused on curbing the illegal wildlife trade and halting deforestation across tropical landscapes—a shared geographic priority for both nations.
The two representatives highlighted the importance of a Brazil-led global alliance against environmental crime. This initiative aligns with Cambodia’s “Circular Strategy on Environment,” which prioritises cleanliness, green growth, and sustainability.
“Bilateral cooperation is a vital tool in preventing the loss of wildlife to trafficking and poaching, as well as stopping the degradation of natural resources in tropical zones,” a ministry statement noted following the meeting.
Minister Sophalleth underscored the Ministry’s daily efforts to integrate environmental education with rigorous legal enforcement. Key points of the current strategy include: Strict application of the Environment and Natural Resources Code without exception; Continuous nationwide campaigns to promote conservation; Addressing the impact of regional conflicts on wildlife, citing recent tragic incidents involving the deaths of elephants and other species forced to migrate due to insecurity.
The partnership aims to establish a robust framework for international cooperation. While the focus remains on local enforcement, the representatives stressed that protecting the world’s tropical forests is a global responsibility. By aligning their legal frameworks, Brazil and Cambodia intend to secure a sustainable environment for the next generation.
