Action Plan for the Protection of Sea Turtles in Cambodia 2016-2026

Sea turtles are some of the most important marine species in Cambodia and as such they are classified as Endangered Species under Sub-Decree No.123, dated August 23rd 2009. Of the species of sea turtle found in Cambodia, green turtles are listed as Endangered and hawksbill turtles as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Sea turtles are also listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) which bans international trade of these animals. Both national and international frameworks are addressing the need to manage and conserve these species due to their endangered status in Cambodia, where the catch, sale, purchase and transport of sea turtles has been banned. There is an urgent need for this Sea Turtle Action Plan.

The goal for this action plan is that: By 2026, sea turtles and their habitat are protected or conserved, providing healthy ecosystems and economic prosperity for future generations of Cambodia.