Cambodia Strengthens Wildfire Prevention Measures as El Nino Threatens

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PHNOM PENH – Cambodia is stepping up efforts to prevent wildfires ahead of the 2027 dry season, when the El Nino phenomenon is expected to bring ...

PHNOM PENH – Cambodia is stepping up efforts to prevent wildfires ahead of the 2027 dry season, when the El Nino phenomenon is expected to bring unusually high temperatures.

The Ministry of Environment is to increase forest patrols, establish firebreaks and work with local communities to protect forests and wildlife.

The measures also aim to limit air pollution from forest fires, particularly fine particulate matter known as PM2.5, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and pose serious risks to public health.

Cambodia is expected to experience temperatures between 1.5 and 3 degrees Celsius above normal from February to April 2027 due to El Nino, the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology says.

Environment spokesperson Khvay Athitya said the heat could worsen forest fire and drought risks, threatening wildlife habitats and aquatic biodiversity.

He said prolonged heat and declining water levels could also affect wildlife reproduction and increase the vulnerability of young animals, while creating conditions for diseases and parasites to spread among wildlife.

“Many wild animals depend on natural water sources. However, when water levels decline, they have to move elsewhere in search of water and food”.

Their forest habitats can become more vulnerable to fires, forcing wildlife to search for new breeding grounds. This could reduce their reproduction rates and the survival of their offspring.

Cambodia experiences thousands of forest fire incidents each year, many linked to hot, dry weather and human activities, including clearing forests for agriculture, burning forests to hunt wildlife and encroaching on protected areas and flooded forests around Tonle Sap Lake.

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