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The Cambodian Ministry of Environment is finalizing a survey of four areas inhabited by the Irrawaddy freshwater dolphin in Kratie and Preah Vihear provinces to prepare a dossier for UNESCO's inclusion on the World Natural Heritage list.
The ministry spokesperson, Neth Pheaktra, said that Cambodia's UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage sites include the Angkor Wat temple complex, Preah Vihear and Sambor Prei Kuk, along with other intangible cultural heritage.
Irrawaddy dolphins live in certain areas of the Mekong River.
Four freshwater dolphin sanctuaries are being prepared for inclusion in the UNESCO list for recognition: the Prek Kampi Dolphin Sanctuary, the Prek Prasob Wildlife Sanctuary, the Phnom Tbeng Natural Heritage Site, and the Tmat Boey Nature Tourism Area. Currently, only three countries in the world have freshwater dolphins living there, with Cambodia having the largest population at 92 individuals, while Indonesia and Myanmar each have around 60 individuals. It is estimated that the number of freshwater dolphins in Cambodia is expected to increase by approximately 13-18 individuals over the past 20 years. Freshwater dolphins are currently listed as endangered by the IUCN Red List.
Mr. Pheaktra hopes that once Cambodia completes its application to UNESCO for heritage recognition, the areas where freshwater dolphins live will receive support for protection and preservation, thereby attracting more domestic and international tourists.
