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Patterns and Drivers of Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Myanmar

Author

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  • Zaw Naing Tun

    (School of Earth and Environmental Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4067, Australia)

  • Paul Dargusch

    (School of Earth and Environmental Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4067, Australia)

  • DJ McMoran

    (School of Earth and Environmental Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4067, Australia)

  • Clive McAlpine

    (School of Earth and Environmental Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4067, Australia)

  • Genia Hill

    (School of Earth and Environmental Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4067, Australia)

Abstract

Myanmar is one of the most forested countries of mainland Southeast Asia and is a globally important biodiversity hotspot. However, forest cover has declined from 58% in 1990 to 44% in 2015. The aim of this paper was to understand the patterns and drivers of deforestation and forest degradation in Myanmar since 2005, and to identify possible policy interventions for improving Myanmar’s forest management. Remote sensing derived land cover maps of 2005, 2010 and 2015 were accessed from the Forest Department, Myanmar. Post-classification change detection analysis and cross tabulation were completed using spatial analyst and map algebra tools in ArcGIS (10.6) software. The results showed the overall annual rate of forest cover loss was 2.58% between 2005 and 2010, but declined to 0.97% between 2010 and 2015. The change detection analysis showed that deforestation in Myanmar occurred mainly through the degradation of forest canopy associated with logging rather than forest clearing. We propose that strengthening the protected area system in Myanmar, and community participation in forest conservation and management. There needs to be a reduction in centralisation of forestry management by sharing responsibilities with local governments and the movement away from corruption in the timber trading industry through the formation of local-based small and medium enterprises. We also recommend the development of a forest monitoring program using advanced remote sensing and GIS technologies.

Suggested Citation

  • Zaw Naing Tun & Paul Dargusch & DJ McMoran & Clive McAlpine & Genia Hill, 2021. "Patterns and Drivers of Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Myanmar," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-27, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:14:p:7539-:d:589338
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Yiming Wang & Yunfeng Hu & Xiaoyu Niu & Huimin Yan & Lin Zhen, 2023. "Myanmar’s Land Cover Change and Its Driving Factors during 2000–2020," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-22, January.
    2. Alessandra Giuliani & José Tomás Undurraga & Theresa Dunkel & Saw Min Aung, 2021. "Access and Benefit Sharing and the Sustainable Trade of Biodiversity in Myanmar: The Case of Thanakha," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-30, November.

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