The construction of massive transmission lines has bisected a vital Cambodian rainforest sanctuary, threatening one of Southeast Asia’s last remaining biodiversity hotspots. Spanning over 400 kilometers, these lines are part of Cambodia’s drive to expand energy infrastructure and meet surging electricity demands. However, the project cuts through the Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary, a UNESCO-recognized protected area, endangering species like the Asian elephant, banteng, and critically endangered birds such as the giant ibis. The fragmentation increases vulnerability to illegal logging, poaching, and habitat degradation, potentially devastating the fragile ecosystem.
Beyond environmental costs, the sanctuary’s division impacts the livelihoods of Indigenous communities who rely on the forest for sustenance and cultural practices. Critics argue that alternative routes or renewable energy solutions could have minimized harm, but these were not pursued. Furthermore, deforestation tied to the project could accelerate carbon emissions, undermining global climate goals. Conservationists and local activists are now urging the government to adopt mitigation strategies, such as rerouting the lines, compensatory reforestation, and bolstering anti-logging enforcement to protect this irreplaceable sanctuary. More