Behind the Story: Cambodia Burning

Deforestation and forest fires are ravaging the forests of Cambodia and it is estimated that there is only three percent of primary forest is left throughout the country.

Fires burnt in record numbers throughout the forests of north and central Cambodia between 2018 to 2020 and at their peak during the dry season, it is estimated thousands of fires burn in the country, more than in any other country throughout Southeast Asia at that time.

The main drivers behind deforestation in Cambodia are conversion of forest lands for agricultural use and targeted logging of valuable species, such as Rosewood, for the Asian furniture markets.