Aims set to boost national forest coverage

MYANMAR is among the countries highly vulnerable to the impacts of global climate change. Due to climate change, the country may increasingly face extreme weather events such as changing rainfall patterns, rising day­time temperatures, the occurrence of cyclones, and periods of drought and water scarcity.

 

In April 2024, heatwave conditions caused extremely high daytime temperatures, with Chauk in central Myanmar re­cording 48.2 degrees Celsius — the highest temperature in the world at that time. Magway, Minbu, NyaungU, and Sagaing townships were also listed among the world’s 15 hottest cities. Among the many measures needed to mitigate global climate change, establishing forests and tree plantations is one of the most important sectors. Therefore, it is necessary to prioritize the creation of forest plan­tations nationwide and the conservation and protection of remaining natural forests.

 

Among ASEAN coun­tries, Myanmar has the second-largest forest area. According to the 2020 report of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the country’s forest coverage has accounted for 42.19 per cent of its total land area. Between 2010 and 2015, annual deforestation aver­aged 1.7 per cent. However, between 2010 and 2020, the rate of deforestation declined to 0.9 per cent.

 

To increase the country’s forest cover and to conserve wildlife species and areas with significant biodiversity and unique landscapes, the government is working to designate 30 per cent of the national territory as forest reserves and protected pub­lic forests and 10 per cent as nature conservation areas. As of July this year, 1,324 forest reserves and protected public forests have been designated, covering 25.94 per cent of the country’s land area, along with 62 nature conservation areas, accounting for 6.43 per cent of the national territory. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, a further 14 for­est reserves and 156 protected public forests are planned for designation in 2025.

 

In efforts to conserve natural ecosystems, priority is given to establishing forest reserves, protected public forests, and nature conservation areas. In our country as well, to improve dry zone ecosystems, enhance greenery, and ensure balanced and favourable climatic conditions, activities are being carried out across 13 districts, including planting roadside trees and establishing village firewood plantations.

 

Furthermore, to provide a green and thriving environmental legacy for current citizens and future generations, the country aims to increase forest cover to 50 per cent of its total area. Relevant ministries, local authorities, and the public must work together to continuously expand forest coverage and carry out on­going greening and ecosystem restoration activities nationwide.