Save Cambodia's Elephants From New Titanium Mine

More than 100 endangered Asian elephants -- the largest population in Cambodia -- depend on the elephant corridor in the Cardamom Mountain rainforest. But the elephants could lose this critical habitat if Cambodia approves a permit for a new titanium mine in a meeting this Friday! Tell the Cambodian Minister of Commerce to protect his country's wildlife.

Call to action

The 5 million-acre Cardamom Mountain rainforest is home to more than 100 endangered Asian elephants -- the largest population in Cambodia. But this vital habitat is in danger of being destroyed.

It's not just elephants: The Cardamoms are home to sun bears, Siamese crocodiles and more than half of Cambodia's bird population. Moreover, the Cardamom Mountains are one of the last intact rainforests in Southeast Asia. It is a model for conservation and have a burgeoning eco-tourism industry that helps locals make a living without destroying the land.

A few years of mineral extraction isn't worth the permanent damage to the rainforest and the people and wildlife who live there. The United Khmer Group mining company is in the early stages of developing a titanium mine that could devastate the entire ecosystem in the Cardamom Mountains. The mine would be situated in the middle of the Southwest Elephant Corridor, putting the elephants and at least 74 other endangered or vulnerable species at risk.

The Cardamom Mountains are one of the last intact rainforests in Southeast Asia and a model for conservation and community-based sustainable economic development. But the rainforest's wildlife, and its growing reputation as an ecotourism destination, would be destroyed forever for just a few years of mineral extraction.

A decision about the mines is likely to be made this Friday, February 11. Speak up for the elephants. Tell Cambodia's Minister of Commerce to halt construction of the titanium mine.

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