Mekong dolphins granted 'land titles' in Cambodia
In the first six months of 2025, seven dolphin calves were born, and no deaths were reported in Cambodia, bringing the total Mekong dolphin population in the kingdom to 111, according to Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Cambodia.
A total of 20 conservation and community fisheries areas in eight provinces across Cambodia — covering a combined land area of approximately 25,000 hectares — have now been officially registered with the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction of Cambodia. It includes a total of 21,967 hectares designated as the Mekong dolphin conservation and management zone.
Cambodia's Queen Mother, Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, recently expressed her deep affection and compassion for the Mekong dolphins, which are considered a national treasure.
Cambodian Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Dith Tina, announced the welcome news on July 1 in Bati district, Takeo Province.
Referring to the registration of more than 20,000 hectares of dolphin conservation areas, the minister jokingly remarked that "the dolphins now have land titles".
Tina noted the impressive results that have been yielded by the management and conservation of the kingdom's freshwater dolphin population.
"These excellent results would not have been possible without the tireless day-and-night dedication of our river guards … and widespread awareness among fishing communities," he continued.
The recognition has greatly encouraged conservation teams and boosted their morale to continue efforts to protect aquatic biodiversity.
The total conservation area now stretches for 85 kilometers, from Stung Treng provincial town to Kratie Province.
The zone is patrolled and protected by 44 river guards, who work to preserve biodiversity and safeguard the dolphin population.
Their efforts are supported by the government through the agriculture ministry, the fisheries administration, local authorities and WWF-Cambodia.
The Phnom Penh Post, Cambodia
