Temple tourist sites are mine clearing priorities

via Phnom Penh Post, 09 January 2022: Demining efforts around Preah Vihear province.

The Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) has cleared more than 40ha of landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) in two temple areas in Preah Vihear province and continues to do so at the request of the National Authority for Preah Vihear (NAPV), according to an NAPV Facebook post.

The post added that CMAC began clearing landmines there for the first time in September last year and has now begun a new operation there on January 1 in two locations to help prepare the way for infrastructure construction for tourism development and further temple conservation work.

“The clearance of landmines this time is taking place at the Tamen temple area of about 30ha and at the entrance to the Koh Ker temple resort, an area of about 14ha,” the Facebook post said.

NAPV director-general Kong Puthikar told The Post on January 9 that CMAC plans to conduct clearance operations throughout the entire Koh Ker temple area of about 200ha once it has completed further research.

Source: Temple tourist sites are mine clearing priorities | Phnom Penh Post