contents home cover 1. recommendations 2. introduction 3. the case for positive conditionality & international responsibility 4. the forest policy reform project & the steering committee 5. transparency 6. forest yield & revenue potential 7. concession activity and review 8. dfw–enforcement & jurisdiction 9. situation update–general special military region military region 1 military region 2 military region 3 military region 4 military region 5 10. the role of cambodia’s neighbours & other importing countries thailand laos vietnam japan 11. opportunities the forest stewardship council (fsc) protected areas and world heritage status 12. conclusion

Military Region 1 Ratanakiri, Stung Treng & Mondulkiri Key Players: Maj Gen. Seuy Keo, Brig Gen. Nuon Phea, Chhan Dara (border police), Long Krishna (ranking military official), Bun Hom Ounmany, Kam Pay, Kam Koeurn (Police chief), Li Song, Mr Nang, Ngourn Paet, Im Virakchet, Yip Kah, Chhay Vit (Chief of Forestry Department, Ratanakiri). In September 1998 MR1 formalised its role as a commercial entity by forming its Economic Development Committee (EDC), to ensure revenue generation for itself. Although its founding articles specified that it would crack down on illegal logging they also specified that they would ‘process timber given by companies to build military bases’, an often used excuse to justify military control of logging activities. The formation of the EDC alone contravenes Cambodian law, threatens stability and is a major cause for concern. Ratanakiri Illegal felling and transport, Hero Company and MR1; Ratanakiri, January 1999. In January 1999 the majority of logging in Ratanakiri was being carried out under the authority of MR1, with the logs being transported to the Ban Lung sawmill of the Taiwanese Hero company, a legal concession holder but with no current permission to cut. Logs are being cut in all districts. A major cause for concern is the rumoured appointment of Provincial Police Chief Kam Koeurn as Provincial Governor. Kam Koeurn has been intimately involved with illegal logging for six years and such an appointment threatens not only the clampdown on illegal logging, but the way of life of the local indigenous groups (of which he is a member) who depend on the forests. It is rumoured that Kam Koeurn’s probable appointment is a reward for generating funds for Hun Sen’s election campaign. During the January 1999 visit to the province by the UN Special Representative for Human Rights Thomas Hammarberg, log traffic declined from 15-20 trucks per day to zero. Local loggers said they would recommence activity after he left, which they did on 15th January. In addition to log exports to Vietnam along route 19, Hero regularly exports 10-20 truck loads of sawn timber per day to Vietnam. As Hero has no permission to cut, all of these activities are illegal and are conducted in the full gaze of local provincial and military authorities. Vietnamese loggers are making direct incursions into Virachey National Park, probably with the collusion of a local military official nicknamed Mr Long. In December 1998 approximately 60 log trucks exported timber to a company owned by Yeiu Maiy in Pleiku. Stung Treng Fresh cut logs are being stockpiled on the west bank of the river and logs are being cut under Virakchet’s authority near Ochrolong and Okandei on Rte 13 heading from Stung Treng to Kratie, and transported to the Kingwood company and to Kratie. Mondulkiri Between May-June 1998 Mondulkiri was a main log export route to Vietnam but activity has declined since the election. The Khmer Construction Company (with no concession) illegally exported logs during this period and is seeking permission to recommence. At Km 164 off the Samling Road a new border point has been established, through which 80-100 trucks belonging to MR1 exported 2000-2500m3 of logs. MR1 possess 20,000m>3 of logs in the forest and are awaiting export permission which has not as yet been granted. Defected local KR commander Laik cuts trees in Samling’s concession and other areas in Kratie and Mondulkiri for export through Valoeu checkpoint. Local RCAF and Police do not dare confront him. Special Military Region Military Region 2 Military Region 3 Military Region 4 Military Region 5 back top next