Cambodia Registers Over 10,000 Hectares in Stung Treng as Protected Mekong Dolphin Conservation Zone

Cambodia Registers Over 10,000 Hectares in Stung Treng as Protected Mekong Dolphin Conservation Zone

Cambodia has officially registered more than 10,000 hectares of land in Stung Treng Province as a protected Mekong River dolphin conservation area, marking another major step in the country’s wildlife preservation efforts.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, a total area of 10,873.35 hectares has now been permanently registered by the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction as land designated for the Mekong River dolphin management zone, specifically identified as Core Zone 2 in Stung Treng Province.

Officials say the registration will strengthen conservation management and improve long-term protection for the endangered freshwater dolphins that inhabit the Mekong River.

Cambodia Celebrates Major Conservation Achievement

In a statement released on Monday, May 11, 2026, the Ministry of Agriculture described the land registration as “another important achievement in protecting Cambodia’s natural heritage.”

The ministry highlighted the close cooperation between:

• The Fisheries Administration
• Local authorities
• Relevant government agencies
• Conservation organization WWF
• Community river guards

Officials credited these partnerships with helping increase the dolphin population over recent years through stronger protection and conservation efforts.

The newly registered conservation zone is expected to improve enforcement, habitat protection, and long-term monitoring of dolphin populations in the region.

Safe Habitats Critical for Dolphin Survival

The ministry expressed deep appreciation to the Ministry of Land Management for actively supporting the land registration process and issuing permanent ownership certificates for the protected area.

Conservation officials emphasized that preserving safe habitats is essential to ensuring future generations can continue to witness the presence of the rare Mekong River dolphins, often referred to as the “smiling guardians” of the Mekong.

Continued Progress in Dolphin Conservation

This latest conservation effort follows a similar land registration completed in 2025, when Cambodian authorities officially registered 21,966.51 hectares in Kratie Province as a Mekong dolphin protection and management area.

Cambodia has also recorded encouraging growth in dolphin births.

As of early May 2026, six newborn Mekong River dolphins had been documented this year. The sixth calf was spotted on April 27, 2026, in the Kampi dolphin pool located in Sambok Commune, Chitr Borei District, Kratie Province.

The country’s total Mekong dolphin population has now risen to 118 dolphins, according to government data.

A Symbol of Cambodia’s Natural Heritage

The Mekong River dolphin is considered one of Cambodia’s most iconic and endangered wildlife species. Conservationists have long warned that illegal fishing practices, habitat destruction, pollution, and river development projects threaten the species’ survival.

Environmental groups say the expansion of protected conservation zones could play a crucial role in helping stabilize and grow the dolphin population in the coming years.

Authorities are continuing to encourage local communities, environmental organizations, and the public to participate in protecting Cambodia’s biodiversity and natural ecosystems for future generations.