Behind the Story: Cambodia Burning

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

At their peak during the dry season, thousands of fires burn throughout the forests of north and central Cambodia, 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.

Pulitzer Center grantee Sean Gallagher traveled to Cambodia in early 2020 to report on this story.