Cambodian PM scraps development project threatening wildlife sanctuary

Cut-down vegetation in an area marked for development is seen in the Phnom Tamao forest, an hour's drive from Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh. (Photo by Handout / WILDLIFE ALLIANCE / AFP)

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Sunday cancelled a controversial satellite-city development around a wildlife sanctuary and zoo near the capital following growing online appeals to halt the project.

Conservationists and locals began voicing their concerns and objections when the development plan around the Phnom Tamao zoo and wildlife rescue centre came to light several months ago.