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 3 Koh Kong, Kampot & Kompong Speu Key Players: Houk Seha, Mr Pet, Bun Chea (MR3), Ung Savy (MR3), Mom Sokoun (MR3), Um Savoun (Div 5, MR3), Keo Tha, Kong Kea (MR3), Mr Peou, Mr Ra, Sam Sary, Samreth Dy, Srun Saroeun, Svay Gnon, Ta Chan, Ta Doeuk, Huth Sophan (Police),Tea Vinh, and Division 21 at Aural mountain including Neok Khou (Chief), Mon Bo (Dpty), Gen Prom Pheng, Mr Not, Mr Sok (businessman). Koh Kong The annual export of 700,000m3 of sawn timber from Koh Kong to Thailand has, remarkably, ceased with the crackdown, although many loggers reported a decline due to exhaustion of the forests. MR3 personnel, especially Division 5, absolutely control logging and exports from the Prek Koh Pao, Stoeung Meteok and Stoeung Trapeang Rung rivers. Veil Tapeou is a significant military logging town near Trapeang Rung, which does not welcome visitors. There are numerous military checkpoints along all these waterways, sometimes side by side with ex-KR checkpoints along the Koh Pao. The ex-KR charge 100 baht per small (timber carrying) boat for passage. Military logging activity is intense and there is an expectancy among those concerned that exports will recommence after the February CG meeting. Since the beginning of 1998 the concession dynamic has changed considerably with three new concessions in existence, Mai Voot Tee, You Ry Sako and Chinese owned Silveroad Wood Products. These replace the concessions of Pheapimex-Fuchan Vanachay and Double Ace. Mai Voot Tee and You Ry Sako have been logging illegally in the province for years, exporting logs to Indonesia, Japan, Thailand and Singapore. The awarding of legitimate concessions to known transgressors does not bode well for forest policy reform. On 16th January two barges loaded with approximately 2,000m3 of round logs were moored at Mai Voot Tee’s logging camp (11° 43’ 61N, 103° 04’ 92’’E) awaiting export (Global Witness has notified the Chief of the DFW and is awaiting developments). Kampot As of January 1999 Longday International were still harvesting in Bokor National Park, as were Division 44, the local police, the ex-KR and Mong Rethy. Kompong Speu RCAF Division 21 is currently authorising and conducting extensive logging activities in Aural Wildlife Sanctuary, with the logs being both sawn in mills owned by the Division in Amlang District and also taken to the large government owned Prek Phmou sawmill just outside Phnom Penh. Numerous sawmills with authorisation from Division 21 are being established close to Aural mountain and these pay a levy to the military. The owners of one sawmill, Mr Kak and Mr Ly, have funded local labour to clear an old log road accessing valuable stands in Aural mountain. Despite the crackdown this activity is accelerating. The DN Development Company is operating with Division 21. Special Military Region Military Region 1 Military Region 2 Military Region 4 Military Region 5 back top next