The Annotated Ramsar List: Cambodia
The Annotated Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance
CAMBODIA / CAMBODGE / CAMBOYA
The Convention on Wetlands came into force for Cambodia on 23 October 1999. Cambodia presently has 3 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance, with a surface area of 54,600 hectares.
site; date of designation; region, province, state; surface area; coordinates
site; date de désignation; région, province, état; superficie; coordonnées
sitios; fecha de designación; región, provincia, estado; área; coordenadas
Boeng Chhmar and Associated River System and Floodplain.23/06/99; Kampong Thom province; 28,000 ha; 12º48’N 104º16’E. State-owned. A lake formed amid inundated forest in the northeast fringe of Tonle Sap lake, consists of permanent open water surrounded by a creek system and flooded forest and becomes one with Tonle Sap in the wet season. Boeng Chhmar is a good example of near-natural wetlands that play a substantial hydrological and biological role in the natural functioning of two major rivers, Stoeng Stoung and Stoeng Chikreng. The area supports a large assemblage of plant, fish and waterbird species, many of which are listed as rare, vulnerable, or endangered. The Tonle Sap region plays a vital role in the economy of Cambodia by supplying fish to the population, and several million people depend upon its productivity. Ramsar site no. 997. Most recent RIS information: 1999.
Koh Kapik and Associated Islets.23/06/99; Koh Kong province; 12,000 ha; 11º28’N 103º04’E. Wildlife Sanctuary. Alluvial islands immediately off the mainland of Koh Kong Province. Two major rivers flowing into the area bring a freshwater influence and create sand flats in some places. The site is classified into two wetland types (Estuarine waters, and Intertidal mud, sand, or saltflats). The area plays a critical role in providing a nutrient source supporting coastal fishery in the near-shore and offshore waters of Cambodia. The remaining relatively-intact mangroves are said to have assumed increased importance in providing nursery and feeding grounds for various invertebrate species since the substantial removal of mangrove forests in nearby Thailand. Ramsar site no. 998. Most recent RIS information: 1999.
Middle Stretches of the Mekong River north of Stoeng Treng.23/06/99; Stoeng Treng; 14,600 ha; 13º44’N 105º58’E. State-owned. A stretch of the river that is characterized by strong turbulent flow with numerous channels between rocky and sandy islands that are completely inundated during high water, and higher alluvial islands that remain dry. It lies about 5km from the town of Stoeng Treng where the Tonle Sap joins the Mekong northwards to the Lao border. The site is extremely important for fisheries and also for transport (as there are few roads in the area), and the flooded forest provides refuge for rare species of fish, dolphins and birds. The endangered Irrawaddy Dolphin is found in the calm areas of the river. Ramsar site no. 999. Most recent RIS information: 1999.
