Abstract
Myanmar (Burma) is blessed with a vast variety of renewable and non-renewable resources. Among these resources is the forest resource which is a vital resource for the country due to its support of livelihoods and economic growth. The country is home to the world’s best quality teak which has proven a valuable commodity all over the world. The extensive logging by government authorities, foreign and private companies, and the local people has caused massive deforestation which has led to increased flooding, biodiversity loss, sedimentation of water bodies, water shortage, soil erosion and loss of wildlife species. The country still contains huge expanses of forests but they are disappearing fast due to deforestation. According to the Forest Ministry, the forest cover has shrunk by a fifth, from 58% in 1990 to 47% of land area in 2012 (Mon et al., 2012). Deforestation has greatly affected livelihoods of people who rely heavily on the forest resources and has led to environmental degradation (Songer et al., 2009). As a result of deforestation, Myanmar is highly susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change such as flooding and drought among others. Consequently, the Burmese government introduced a ban on timber exportation in a bid to curtail deforestation. This move has been welcome by villagers benefiting from the forests and some leaders. The loggers and merchants, on the other hand, have heavily protested the move.
Keywords: Deforestation, Logging
Deforestation in Burma
Introduction
Myanmar (Burma) is blessed with a vast variety of renewable and non-renewable resources. Among these resources is the forest resource which is a vital resource for the country due to its support of livelihoods and economic growth. A number of forests can be found in Myanmar such as swamp forests, tropical evergreen forests, beach and dune, tidal, deciduous forests and dry forests among others (Mon et al., 2012). For a fact, the country is home to the world’s best quality teak which has proven a valuable commodity all over the world. A relatively large percentage of people in Myanmar reside in the rural areas and mainly depend on the forest resources for their livelihoods (Songer et al., 2009). The forest resources provide the people with food, clothing, fuel, timber and income to meet their needs. Additionally, the forests support key economic sectors such as agriculture, housing, energy and tourism (Mittleman, 2001).
The extensive logging by government authorities, foreign and private companies, and the local people has caused massive deforestation which has led to increased flooding, biodiversity loss, sedimentation, water shortage, soil erosion and loss of wildlife. The country’s forest resources are disappearing fast due to deforestation. According to the Forest Ministry, the forest cover has shrunk by a fifth, from 58% in 1990 to 47% of land area in 2012 (Mon et al., 2012). Deforestation has greatly affected livelihoods of people who rely heavily on the forest resources and has led to environmental degradation (Songer et al., 2009). As a result of deforestation, Myanmar is highly susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change such as flooding and drought among others. Consequently, the Burmese government introduced a ban on timber exportation in a bid to curtail deforestation.
Viewpoint of an Affected Village Elder
It is obvious that a village elder would greatly be against logging. Given the fact that forests play an important role in the lives of villagers, a village elder concerned about the welfare of his subjects will denounce logging and promote forest conservation. For the rural poor, the forests are a means by which they can meet their basic needs and also generate income. The forests offer a wide array of goods and services that are critical for the survival of people living around them. As a result of inadequate electric power supply in the country, most people in the country rely heavily on charcoal and firewood. Charcoal production is an exercise that is widely practiced in rural Burma for income generation. A village elder knows that forests products earn a living for the villagers. Furthermore, the forests provide shelter for some of the people. A huge number of people work in the forestry sector and the work related to forests includes fuel woods collection and log production. As a result, forests play a very vital role of reducing unemployment in the villages and the country.
A village elder with the interests of his fellow villagers at heart will make sure that he fights for the protection of the forests. This is mainly because deforestation will negatively affect the lives of the villagers leading to loss of income, diseases and even death. Deforestation will lead to many jobless people and will promote poverty which will ultimately lead to social evils such as theft and robbery. It is obvious that a village leader will champion for the protection of the forest at all times. A village leader would be one of the greatest champions of reforestation and forest conservation as he knows the various benefits forests have to his village.
Viewpoint of a Timber Logger/Merchant/Export
It is well known that Myanmar timber, especially the teak, is a highly valuable commodity in the world market. As a result, many loggers, merchants and exporters have greatly cashed in on this timber trade. These loggers will stop at nothing to ensure that they engage in the timber trade. Even with the alarming statistics indicating that Myanmar is losing its forests fast, most loggers will hear none of that. It is clear that a logger, merchant or exporter cares less about the environment. All that these individuals and companies care about is the money resulting from timber exportation. The loggers and merchants care more about the profits than the effects of deforestation on people and the economy of the country. Loggers will consistently fight any attempts by the Burmese to put an end to logging. Many loggers argue that banning timber exportation was denying the country a chance for economic prosperity as the trade was very lucrative.
The loggers, merchants and exporters in the country do not see any problem with the association between logging and deforestation. Their main argument is that logging supports the economy greatly by providing numerous jobs hence curbing the unemployment problem. As a result, they see no problem with cutting trees to create jobs and promote livelihoods. Loggers see logging as a way of trimming the rainforest rather than destroying the forest. They also argue that is a way by which they provide for their families. The loggers view logging as a way of earning a living. They would also argue that logging provides an avenue by which people can be engaged rather than engage in social evils. Loggers and merchants may be seen as supporters of deforestation and hence enemies of environmental conservation efforts.
Viewpoint of a Politician
An informed politician that knows the value of conservation of forests would denounce deforestation strongly. A politician that knows the effects of deforestation on communities and the country would promote the banning of logging and promote conservation of forests. S/he would champion for the conservation of forests by promoting laws that promote forest conservation. Since the destruction of forests through logging will have negative impacts on the lives and livelihoods of the people, s/he will ensure that loggers do not access such forests. Forests also reduce the poverty levels in a community and hence their protection means reduction of poverty. A powerful politician encourages people to stop cutting down trees as it promotes unsustainable development. Given the fact that Burma is richly endowed with forests, a powerful politician will make sure that this resource is protected so as to promote sustainable development. With the statistics indicating the massive decline of forests, a powerful and influential politician will make sure that the legislation adopts policies that would protect this vital resource. Burma is also home to indigenous forest species that are endangered and hence giving a politician another reason to champion for the conservation of forests.
Even though timber exportation accounts for a huge portion of the country’s GDP, a politician will promote its regulation to ensure that it does not lead to deforestation. Such a politician is also aware of the fact that forests are home to wildlife which are a source of revenue for the country through tourism. Such a leader would hold the view that even though logging and timber supports the economy in a major way, these sectors cannot be allowed to thrive at the expense of the environment. He or she knows that protection of forests is not only protecting lives and livelihoods but also the planet.
Conclusion
It is evident that Myanmar is losing a huge portion of its forest cover due to deforestation. Due to the high demand of Burmese timber, illegal logging is a big issue in the country and is the major contributor of deforestation (Sovacool, 2012). The Burmese government recently introduced a ban on timber exports in a bid to save the remaining forests. This is a good move given that the international timber trade has promoted logging in the country for many years. Although not a move that may be accepted easily by the loggers and merchants, it is one of the surest ways of limiting illegal logging and promoting forest conservation (Sovacool, 2012). Loggers, merchants and exporters in the country have argued that banning the timber export is a major blow to the country’s economy but fact is that the country’s forest are under a massive threat and need protection. Despite the arguments by loggers and merchants, destruction of forests leads to major economic losses than banning of timber exportation. Many people in rural Burma rely on forests for their livelihoods and sustenance. Through deforestation, many people will suffer due to poverty and lack of employment. Burma remains one of the countries in Asia with a large percentage of forest cover and also with a large presence of threatened indigenous species. As a result, conservation of the forests is vital. Moreover, forests provide shelters for wild animals and for the indigenous tribes (Sovacool, 2012). The banning of timber exportation will surely protect Burmese forests and protect the economy. Apart from the ban, the Burmese government needs to initiate awareness campaigns that will promote forest conservation all over the country (Htun, Z., Mizoue & Yoshida, 2013). Additionally, there is the urgent need to formulate and enforce policies that will protect the Burmese forests.
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