Celebrated 2024 Crane Festival and World Migratory Bird Day

On May 28, 2024, NatureLife Cambodia, in collaboration with the 7 targeted schools in and surrounding the Anlung Pring Protected Landscape, celebrated the “Crane Festival and World Migratory Bird Day” at Thmor Bek Primary School, located in Beoung Salang Khang Tbaung commune Kampong Trach district Kampot province.

This event was presided by Mr. Hong Chamnan (Director of the Department of Freshwater Wetland Conservation of the Ministry of Environment), Mr. Eng Polo (Director of the Kampot Provincial Department of Environment), Mr. Khim Samy (Deputy Governor of Kampong Trach District), Mr. Bou Vorsak (CEO of NatureLife Cambodia), Mr. Heang Sophal (WWT country director) along with NGO representative, Commune chief, Administrative of Police Post, Village chiefs, principals, teachers and students from the targeted schools for more than 300 participants.

The celebration was done with aims to: 1/ promote the conservation action of Sarus Crane in the Anlung Pring Protected Landscape and celebrate World Migratory Bird Day, 2/ disseminate to the public the importance of Anlung Pring wetland, 3/raise awareness about the effects of wild birds eating, hunting and trade on biodiversity and human health, and the impact of agrochemical use and proper waste management.

Mr. Eng Polo motivated communities to join hands in conserving Sarus Crane through the reduction of using of agrochemical substances and be the members of Crane Rice initiative. Mr. Khim Samy is proud of the presence of the Sarus Crane wintering at Anlung Pring and confirmed that local authorities will protect and manage this landscape to attract more tourists in the future. Mr. Hong Chamnan informed us about the significant drop in the Sarus Crane population and confirmed that the Ministry of Environment is working with NGOs’ partners and other stakeholders to prevent this species from extinction. Mr. Bou Vorsak requested all key stakeholders to conserve waterbirds in Anlung Pring landscape through effective management the agricultural hazardous wastes and cease bird trapping. Mr. Heang Sophal reminded us that with the presence of Sarus Crane, his organization currently supports local communities to run community ecotourism services. In addition above key message, during this festival, kids exhibited their posters, ran question and answer sessions, and showed role play about the dream of kids to see Anlung Pring continue to support Sarus Crane in the long term.

Thanks, BirdLife International AsiaMandai Nature, Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund– WWT for supporting this activity.