Source: FN
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen rejected the news on the Royal Government will put Rattanakiri’s Yeak Laom under a 75-year investment of a Chinese company. He confirmed that no private investments in Yeak Laom Lake, a beautiful lake occupies a 4,000-year-old volcanic crater, northeast of Cambodia.
“This morning, I read Rasmei Kampuchea newspaper’s article entitled “The government will put Yeak Laom Lake under Chinese company for 75 years”. Who made up this story? what for?” the premier wrote on Facebook on Tuesday.
“On behalf of head of the Royal Government, I would like to reject any private investment in this lake, no matter where the company comes from,” he added.
The Royal Government of Cambodia, on June 13, 2018, issued a new sub-decree on the establishment of the multipurpose “Yeak Laom Lake” area, covering a total of 225 hectares in Banlung district, Rattanakiri province of Cambodia.
This sub-decree aims to (1) ensure the protection of wildlife habitat, ecosystem, and biodiversity; (2) balance the environment, protect and preserve natural resources, contributing to climate change and natural disaster risk reduction; (3) provide natural products and services for sustainable use; (4) promote local community involvement and relevant individuals in safeguarding and utilizing natural resources; (5) establish ecosystem functions and protected areas for social interests in every generation; and (6) provide national products and services for the needs of local people.
Yeak Laom Lake is a place of worship for the hill tribes. They believe there is a powerful spirit who owns the surrounding land and forest. Yeak Laom Lake is popular for swimming or hiking in the forest surrounding the lake. Tourists can sit and relax at the two available banks and enjoy a panoramic view of the lake.