CI will continue to work with the Cambodian government and NGO partners to encourage the creation of an even larger conservation corridor, which would connect the Cardamoms to the coast, ensuring the protection of seasonal elephant migration routes. The Cardamoms are part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, one of 25 global hotspots that represent only 1.4 percent of the Earth's landmass but are home to more than 60 percent of all terrestrial species.

"The Cardamom Mountains are a treasure trove of wildlife and an important watershed for Cambodia. We are proud that UN Foundation's partnership with UNDP, Conservation International and Flora and Fauna International has helped make it possible for the Cambodian government to protect this area of immense biodiversity," said Timothy E. Wirth, President of the United Nations Foundation. "This is a vital first step towards declaring the Cardamom Mountains area a World Heritage site which will result in greater international recognition and increased resources for this park."

Fauna and Flora International is assisting the government with the management and protection of the two wildlife sanctuaries bordering the Central Cardamoms. The 825,000-acre (334,000-hectare) Mt. Samkos Wildlife Sanctuary is west of the Central Cardamom Mountains; the 627,000-acre (254,000-hectare) Mt. Aural Wildlife Sanctuary is to the east.

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Contact: Brad Phillips
b.phillips@conservation.org
202-912-1532
Conservation International
30-Jul-2002