In order to rehabilitate forests, government will stop logging for at least 10 years in Bago Yoma range, which is rich in teak timber

Logging will be stopped for at least 10 years in the Bago Yoma range, which is rich in teak timber, according to director-general of natural resources and the environment Dr Nyi Nyi Kyaw.

A 2015 FAO report found that forest coverage had dipped to only 42.92 per cent of the country’s lands, and Myanmar has the third-most depleted forest coverage in the world.

All restricted forest reserves in the Bago Range will be transferred to the control of the forestry department, which falls under the Ministry of National Resources and Environmental Conservation.

All logging by villagers in surrounding areas will be banned.

The protected area stretches from Yangon's Hlegu Township to Yedashe Township in Bago Division.

Over the next 10 years, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental

Conservation will replant trees, protect existing forests, and prevent illegal logging by villagers who burn the wood as fuel.

Many villages surrounding the Bago Yoma Range will undergo mandatory education about the importance of the forest resources and how to prevent deforestation caused by logging.

The project is part of the Myanmar Reforestation and Rehabilitation Programme (MRRP), intended to conserve forests under the guidance of State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. The programme aims to rehabilitate 350,000 acres (141,639 hectares).

(Eleven Media Group: http://www.elevenmyanmar.com/business/13287 )

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