3.2. Coastal ecosystems

The coastal region features can be classified into three groups that have closely integrated environments: (i) coastal watershed forests; (ii) mangrove and rear mangrove forests; and (iii) near coastal marine waters.

The above three elements of the coastal ecosystem combine to maintain diversity of biota that is not only significant for the conservation of biological diversity, but also of direct economic significance to Cambodia and all other countries situated around the Gulf of Thailand.

3.2.1. Coastal watershed forests

The tropical evergreen forests which occupy most of the southerly fall of the Cardamom and Elephant ranges are amongst the most extensive and least disturbed in the mainland. These forests, located in the catchments of the Metock, Kuot, Russei Chrum, Kep, Sala Muntum, Trapeang Rung, Piphot, Sre Umbel, and Veal Ring rivers, have long been important in the protection of the soil and the regulation of the flow of water and nutrients to the near coastal waters. The coastal watershed is estimated to be 54,500 ha (CEPA-2001).

3.2.2. Mangrove and rear mangrove forests

These two forest types together separate land from the sea. The peculiar ecological characteristics of mangrove are well-known. These forests grow and exist on sheltered coastal sites where sufficient muddy sediments can accumulate. Situated in the intertidal zone, these forests are inundated twice daily by the tides. Cambodian mangrove forests are well-known for their high biological diversity. They also play a role an important role in protecting the shoreline from erosion and storms as well.

From seaward to landward edges, the forests are divided into four zones: (i) Avicennia-Sonneratia zone; (ii) Rhizopphora zone; (iii) Brugieria-Kandelia-Ceriops zone; and (iv) Lumnitzera-Xylocarpus-Brugieria zone.

3.2.3. Marine zone

The diverse Cambodian coastline possesses sandy, muddy and rocky shores, as well as sea-grass flats and coral reefs similar to those off the coasts of the nearby Thai provinces of Chantabury and Trat. These waters are likely to contain dugong and sea-turtles as well as dolphin which are becoming increasingly rare in other parts of the Gulf.

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Table of contents > 3. Sea Area

3.1. Introduction

3.2. Coastal ecosystems

3.3. Coastal resources

3.4. Other Natural Wonders

3.5. Fisheries

3.6. Oil and Gas

3.7. Salt pans

3.8. Medical plants

3.9. Threats to marine environment

3.10. Threats to the coastal environment