A reflection from the sunshine is seen above a fishing boat on the Tonle Sap river. (Photo: AP)Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh Tuesday, 04 May 2010
“We demand the government to study the effects on the environment, fish stocks and biodiversity before there is exploration, and allow stakeholders to participate in the study."Cambodia signed an agreement with Japan’s national oil company on Tuesday that opens the possibility of exploration on the northern edge of the Tonle Sap lake, a major source of fish for much of Cambodia.
The agreement, signed Tuesday afternoon by Council Minister Sok An and the Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation, or Jogmec, includes cooperation in evaluating business opportunities, researching technology and potential drilling.
Jogmec Executive Director Akira Suzuki called the agreement a first step in further oil and gas development between Cambodian and Japan. The state-run company would also be open to more private-sector development in the future, he said.
Jogmec’s predecessor, the Japan National Oil Corporation, surveyed Cambodia for onshore oil reserves between 1997 and 1999. Jogmec and Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., Ltd., will examine data from the survey, according to a joint statement by the government and the company. If the survey finds suitable oil reserves, Jogmec will work with Cambodia’s National Petroleum Authority for full exploration rights.
Sok An said Tuesday the Jogmec deal will help bolster the economy with job opportunities. And Chiaki Takahashi, vice minister of economy and trade for Japan, said he hoped the development of oil and gas here would help Cambodia become a “famous nation.”
But critics warn that Cambodia’s oil exploration could have high costs, especially if profits do not go to help the public. And environmentalists warn that the Tonle Sap project could hurt an ecosystem that supports many of the fish Cambodians rely on for protein.
Chhith Sam Ath, executive director of the NGO Forum, said exploration on the lake could hurt its environment and its fish.
“We demand the government to study the effects on the environment, fish stocks and biodiversity before there is exploration, and allow stakeholders to participate in the study,” he said.
12 comments:
I hope they should learn the experience of recent desastor of mexico coast. If there is a leak of oil in tonle Sap, millions of people will be affected and all fishes stock will be all disappeared and Cambodian will suffer.
At present, people are racing to their death for dollars by creating large pollution and poison gaz to kill themselves and other living thing around them. At the end billions of dollars they are earning worth nothing. They are living only with diseases and dirty water and dirty air to breath.
Areak Prey
Khmers living around Tonlesap will eat polution.
Hun Sen and his ministers will put $ in their pocket.
257 trucks and 50000 uniforms recently from China are for police men or soldiers to bring protestators to jails.
Are youns on the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake the only people who have the exclusive right to pollute the lake? If it were not the Japanese, the Viets will come. And for sure they will pollute one thousand times more? If there were some oil there, I would prefer to leave it in the hand of people whore have a good record for environment care. I think that Japanese are those people.
The end of Khmer civilisation is near!
well, i think as long as they study it first, it is ok to explore the lake for gas and other natural mineral. don't assume what happened in gulf of mexico recent will also happen in cambodia or elsewhere, for that matter. i think when it comes to natural resources of cambodia, the country ought to think some sustainability.
I believe fish stock sustainability is more valuable than oil revenues.
Reason: fish stock is renewable source of energy and income.Oil is non-renewable.
I will vote against this oil exploration in this great fresh water lake. I do not see any economic advantage being prospered from this exploration.
But I see the sure and looming disaster that will eventually take place and it's called "an accident". An accident or a negligence or an act of evil it all makes no difference. Once the incident takes place it will all be ruined.
This move is unwise and it will only benefit the explorer(s) with zero concern to them. Cambodians will surely suffer by the great polution of this great fresh water lake.
Be warned Khmer leaders, for your legacy either good or bad will be in the history book for indefinite. God help us. It's my fear.
Khmer Patriot.
i think it's all about proper management when it comes to anything in cambodia. i think japan will do a good job, and cambodia will and can learn from japan's expertise. japan is one of the best sustainable country and second only to america in economy, etc... japan's ingenuity is the one of the best in the world; so, cambodia is fortunate to have japan's interest in our country. may khmer/japan friendship develop into the future to come. japan is very responsible, won't worry, japan will help guide and train in technology to cambodia. yes, cambodia needs all good countries in the world to train and help us to develop into the future, etc...
After a long thought I come to the conclusion that oil exploration should not be permitted in the Tonle Sap. All the dirty ho_chipmunk who polluted our water should be kicked out of Cambodia, or killed if they resist.
12:34PM,
you are so naive. Everyone for themselves.
Cambodia's live line for century rely on the fish in this greate wonder oil exploration wil defintely destroy this greate wonder. Khmer Ankor Wat temple is on the verge of destruction because of the criminal irrisponsible government. Just look at the temple the are now covered with black fume that comes from the buses and cars that are allowed to travell within the Ankor Compound all those researchers ignore this very obvious activities that do nothing but prcipitate the corrosion.
Destrction of Khmer great civilization is near.....
Before taking decisions to carry out any project that is likely harmful to socio- economic and natural resources, the socio-economic and environment impact assessment shall be carried out carefully to reduce the negative impacts.
In this regards, the Japanese company shall comply with the international instruments and the business code of ethics as well as the Cambodian laws and regulations.
With this, the Tonlesap Authority that is authorized to conserve and develop the Tonlesap Basin shall take all means to do its job effectively. Conservation and development shall go in hands with least negative impacts.
Please remember that Tonlesap had been registered as the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by the UNESCO's Men and Biosphere Reserve Program in 1997.
Tonlesap is the Khmer Mother. We should protect our mother.
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