Conservation Values of Virachey National Park

The conservation values and significance of Virachey National Park are numerous and diverse. Some are primarily local in character, while others are significant at the national or international level. These values range from those of critical importance for the well-being of residents in the neighbouring villages of Virachey National Park to those that are less tangible and more aesthetic in character.

Watershed / Catchment Area Values

Virachey National Park is of major importance as a watershed and catchment area. The water from the protected area flows into the Sesan and Sekong Rivers, and together with the Srepok River system (south of Virachey), accounts for about 20% of the Mekong River’s flow.

Virachey National Park has great value as a source of water for the
local residents, not only for agricultural purpose (rice cultivation), but also for the fish resources it supports. The importance of Virachey National Park as a water catchment area, therefore, is of great value both at a regional and national level.

Biological Values

The ecosystems of Virachey National Park sustain a considerable diversity of plant and animals. Although the flora and fauna of Virachey National Park have not been adequately studied, it is already clear that at least some of its species and animals occur in only a few other areas. These species have value with respect to biodiversity, gene pools, traditional medicines, and aesthetics.

Virachey National Park is of high national conservation significance
because it harbours about 75% of Cambodia’s "humid medium elevation" habitats. Key (flagship) animal species found in Virachey National Park include elephant, tiger, gaur, banteng, sun bear, black bear and gibbons. Forty-three vertebrates, 100 bird species and 10 reptile species found in Virachey National Park are of international conservation significance.

Aesthetic and Tourist Values

The flora and fauna of Virachey National Park has aesthetic value, and as such constitute important resources that are the basis of a small but rapidly growing tourism industry.

Perhaps arguably the biggest aesthetic and tourist value is the remoteness and "wilderness feel" of the park. Adventure tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of the tourism industry and Virachey National Park has a high potential of developing this type of ecotourism without negatively affecting the natural and cultural environment.

Cultural Resource Values

Virachey National Park is of great significance for the local communities, especially the Brao and Kavet, whose former territory occupied areas of the present Virachey National Park. This is in part related to the values associated with traditional food and medicines obtained from the forests of the mountain. There is great importance attached to the harvesting and consumption of bamboo. Other plants and animals are also used for with cultural ceremonies and rites.

Forest Resource Values

Virachey National Park contains a wide range of natural resources, which are of great value to local communities. Studies on natural resource use by these communities have found numerous resources being used, which are paramount to the survival of these communities.

Educational Values

One of the original purposes for designating Virachey National Park as a national park was its significant educational values (Royal Decree of 1993). These values will be developed and will be manifested in the future management of the area by Virachey National Park staff.

Employment

Virachey National Park has the potential of providing a range of employment opportunities for people living around the park. These include opportunities to be employed as protected area staff, ecotourism guides and porters as tourism develops. At present, members of the local communities are recruited and trained as rangers, drivers, cleaners.

Regional Setting

International boundaries border Virachey National Park on the northern and eastern sides. North of Virachey National Park lies the Lao P.D.R. and to the east lies Vietnam. In both countries, protected areas have been established adjacent to Virachey National Park: in Lao P.D.R., the Dong Ampham and the Xe Pian Protected Areas which cover 200,000 and 240,000 hectares respectively and in Vietnam, the Chu Mom Ray Nature Reserve which covers 49,000 hectares. These areas should be considered as one protected area with the primary objective of conserving biodiversity. The total area including Virachey National Park that is under protection is approximately 820,000 hectares, making it one of the biggest protected area complexes in Asia.

The regional importance of Virachey National Park was further recognised when it was declared a
ASEAN Heritage Site in 2004.