Tonlé Sap
In 1997, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) named Tonlé Sap an ecological hotspot. In 2001, by royal decree, the lake and its surrounding provinces became the Tonlé Sap Biosphere Reserve. Nine provinces are part of the reserve. These are Banteay Meanchey; Battambang; Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Thom; Preah Vihear; Pursat; Siem Reap; Oddar Meanchey; and Pailin.