Environment

At the Zoo, Captivating Animal Sculptures Illustrate Tragedy of Ocean Pollution

The National Zoo in Washington is home to about 1,800 animals, representing 300 different species. VOA Khmer's Sreng Leakhena narrates.

Little Change of Plastic Consumption Possible to Make a Better Difference

The Ministry of Environment said more than 10 million plastic bags are estimated to be used each day in Phnom Penh.

Three Environmental Activists Released, Sentenced by Cambodia Court

The judge ruled that the remainder of their sentence would be suspended, but ordered them to pay about $25,000 to the plaintiffs and fines of about $500.

Families of Three Detained Mother Nature's Activists Demand Justice and Fair Trial

Sun Mala, Sim Somnang and Try Sovikea, three environmental activists from Mother Nature were arrested and detained since August 17, 2015. They have now been in jail for more than ten months––over the legal limit for cases of this kind. They were accused by the Koh Kong Provincial Court with intimidation and causing damage during the campaign to curb sand dredging in Andoung Tuk estuary in Koh Kong province. Their trial began on Monday, June 27, 2016. The court is expected to announce the verdict on Friday this week. (Courtesy of Mother Nature Cambodia and N1M––Not1More)

Concrete Action on Illegal Logging Is Still Lacking, Says Global Witness

The government has reduced the maximum term of economic land concessions from 99 to 50 years, but the expert on land rights said this does little to prevent abuses.

Environment Ministry Vows to Reduce Plastic Bag Use by Half

Environment officials said if their estimates are accurate there are more plastic bags used daily in Phnom Penh than in many European countries or even China.

Mekong Historian Finds His Worst Fears Confirmed

"When I wrote the book and published it in 2000, 16 years ago, I did not expect that the Chinese would continue building dams at the rate that they have now done. So, the uncertain future has proved to be exactly that: very uncertain indeed," said Mekong Historian Milton Osborne.

Climate Change Blamed for Outbreak of ‘Army Worms’

The worms are attacking crops in at least eight provinces, the government said on Friday.

Former Goldman Prize Winner on Bridging Business-Environmentalist Divide

Tuy Sereivathana is also known as Uncle Elephant for his tireless work reducing human-elephant conflict.

As Drought Continues, So Do Fears for Future

Some scientists have blamed the “El Niño” phenomenon for the heat wave and drought.

Vietnamese Refugee Turned Entrepreneur Invests in Old Country

David Duong's family had to be rescued at sea after fleeing Vietnam in a small boat at the end of the war. VOA Khmer's Hoeurn Sopheak narrates.

Agriculture Experts Call for Water Preservation as Rainy Season Begins

The request from the Ministry of Agriculture came a day after the Royal Ploughing Ceremony, which symbolically marks the start of farmers’ cultivation period.

Air Pollution Levels Skyrocketing in World’s Poorest Cities

Record Fires Destroy Parts of Canadian Province

Raging wildfires have forced record evacuations in western, in Alberta province. About 90,000 people have had to leave their homes. VOA Khmer's Sreng Leakhena narrates.

Cambodian Royal Turtle Nearly Extinct, Less Than 10 in Wild

The Royal Turtle, also known as Southern River terrapinis, is one of the world's 25 most endangered tortoises and freshwater turtles.

Punishing Heat Wave Sets Records Across Asia

Cambodia saw a national all-time record high of 42.6°C set in Preah Vihea province on April 15.

Film Director About Chut Wutty Said Her Film Should Not be Banned

Documentary film, I AM CHUT WUTTY, was banned from screening at Meta House Wednesday by Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts. However, the film director said her film shouldn’t be banned because it showed the good image of Cambodia and it didn’t blame anyone. The documentary was banned because it was filmed and planned to screen in the country without permission, according to spokesman for Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, Thai Norak Satya who told VOA in a phone interview. However, in a video interview with VOA Khmer on Wednesday, Fran Lambrick, director of I AM CHUT WUTTY said the government should allow the film because it showed a Cambodian hero to fight deforestation. Vannarin Neou, Phnom Penh.

Cambodian Forestry Campaigner Awarded 2016 Goldman Environmental Prize

He dedicated the award to his countrymen who are fighting to preserve Cambodia’s remaining forests in the face of rampant illegal logging and damaging government policies.

Stunning IMAX Cinematography Celebrates Natural Wonder of U.S. Parks

One hundred years ago, some of the most beautiful and pristine landscapes in America were at risk of being destroyed by ranchers, developers and loggers. VOA Khmer's Cheoung Pochin narrates.

Study: Asia at Risk for Serious Water Shortages

According to the United Nations, the global demand for water is expected to rise by 400 percent by 2050.

Mekong Drought Worsens Amid Doubts Over Lao Promises

Up to 70 million people live a hand-to-mouth existence along the banks of the Mekong River, including many indigenous tribes.

Thanks—and Caution—as China Releases Water From Mekong Dam

In January and February alone, Jinghong power station in Yunnan province released 2.3 billion cubic meters of water.

Empowering Women in Cambodia’s Farming Sector

Some 75 percent of Cambodia’s women are employed in agriculture, according to the World Bank.

Market for Organic Products on the Upswing

A growing number of consumers is becoming more health conscious about eating.

Two-thirds of World Faces Water Shortage

Four billion people or two out of every three on the planet do not have enough water to meet their basic needs. VOA Khmer's Cheoung Pochin narrates.

Environmental Activist Tried, But Verdict Delayed

Ven Vorn has been detained since October 2015, in what rights advocates say has been delayed adjudication.

Cambodia Preparing for the Impacts of Climate Change, Says Official

Recent years have already seen hotter weather and more irregular rainfall in Cambodia, which is predicted to be badly hit when global temperatures change further.

Concern Over Decline of Cambodia’s Honeybees

The combs and honey are rich sources of food, and their wax is used in pagodas and places without electricity.

4 Billion People Lack Fresh Water

The study finds that the situation affects many more than the 1.7 to 3 billion people previously estimated.

Activists Want Laos Dam on Agenda for ASEAN-Obama Meeting

Some 6 million people could be affected by the dam, including people living not just on the Mekong, but on the Tonle Sap River, as well.

Put Don Sahong Dam on U.S.-ASEAN Agenda, Say Campaigners

Civil society groups are calling for Laos’ Don Sahong hydropower dam project to be discussed when Southeast Asian leaders meet with U.S. President Barack Obama next week.

January 2016 Snowstorm in Washington: Day 1

Intrepid Voice of America journalists braved strong winds and blowing snow to photograph the early hours of a massive storm that threatens to dump near-record amounts of snow on Washington.