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.

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.

Dear Minister Prasidh,

I am writing today to urge your ministry to intervene in the urgent matter of the titanium mining operation proposed in Koh Kong province by the United Khmer Group. I urge you to deny the permit and approval of the mine in the interest of preserving the region's environment, wildlife and long-term community development.

[Your comment will be added here]

I am greatly concerned that the United Khmer Group mine will have tremendous negative impacts on wildlife conservation -- especially on the Asian elephants -- and sustainable development in the forests, wildlife and communities of Southwestern Cambodia.

This mine would be sited in the middle of the Southwest Elephant Corridor in the Southern Cardamom Protected Forest and is likely to have devastating effects on Cambodia's largest population of wild Asian elephants as well as 74 other endangered or vulnerable species.

Koh Kong province is on the verge of becoming globally recognized as a leader in conservation and community-based sustainable economic development. This reputation and the elephant habitat should not be sacrificed for a few years of mineral extraction.

Please, deny the permit to build this mine and protect Cambodia's largest population of Asian elephants. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your name here]