How Cambodian Women Are Confronting Illegal Loggers

Cambodia has the fastest rate of deforestation in the world, with forest loss increasing by 14.4 percent annually between 2001 and 2014, according to scientists from the University of Maryland and the World Resources Institute. Illegal loggers, who often feed the big companies for rubber and timber production, have long plagued the dwindling forests.

However, some women belonging to the Prey Lang Community Network, a grassroots movement that fights illegal forest loggers, are determined to do their best to stop loggers from violating their beloved forests.

The 120 women belonging to this network continue facing harassment and even death risks, although that does not stop them from doing their best to protect their community forests, and many of them feel the risk is worth it.

“I feel scared going on the patrols. I don’t want to get killed or shot by a logger. They hate us, and I think they’ll hurt us,” explains Sok Am, a 23-year-old activist. “But we want the forest to be protected and sustainable for the sake of the people.”

Another activist, Mom Sokun, 32, is aware of the devastating effects of deforestation on her community.

“If the situation doesn’t improve, if the loggers keep cutting down trees, many villagers who depend on the forest will have to migrate to Thailand [for work],” Sokun says.

Despite their efforts, the illegal logging continues in Cambodia. However, much of the Prey Lang Forest, a 1,390-square-mile (3,600-square-km) area that spans four provinces, has been declared protected land.