Myanmar Designates Over 30% of Land as Forest, Conservation Areas in Major Green Push
Myanmar has announced a significant stride in its environmental protection efforts, with over 30% of the nation's land now officially designated as forest and conservation areas. This ambitious move is a cornerstone of the government's long-term strategy to expand forest cover and safeguard the country's rich biodiversity.
As of July 5, 2025, Myanmar has established 1,324 forest reserves and protected public forests, encompassing 25.94% of its total land area. Additionally, 62 natural conservation areas now cover 6.43% of the country, pushing the combined protected land past the 30% mark. This achievement places Myanmar on a path towards its ultimate goal of dedicating 30% of its land to forest reserves and 10% to natural conservation areas.
Why the Green Initiative?
The extensive designation serves multiple vital purposes:
Boosting Forest Coverage: A direct effort to increase the nation's overall green footprint.
Protecting Wildlife and Natural Wonders: Safeguarding diverse ecosystems and significant geological features.
Conserving Water Resources: Ensuring the health of rivers, creeks, lakes, and vital watershed areas.
Stabilizing Ecosystems: Fostering environmental balance and resilience.
Supporting Local Communities: Providing essential resources like wood, firewood, and bamboo.
Preserving Biodiversity: Protecting Myanmar's unique flora and fauna.
Aiding Agriculture: Contributing to sustainable farming practices.
Recent Efforts Fueling the Expansion
Myanmar's commitment to these goals is evident in various ongoing initiatives:
Monsoon Tree-Growing Ceremonies: The government actively promotes large-scale tree-planting, with the second monsoon ceremony of 2025 alone seeing 3,000 saplings of various flowery species planted.
Green Development Plan: This comprehensive plan includes establishing new forest plantations along roadsides and riverbanks, conserving crucial mangrove forests, and creating two-acre forest patches in villages across 13 arid districts.
Continuous Expansion: In recent years, authorities have consistently designated new protected public forest areas, steadily expanding the conservation footprint.
A Step Towards Sustainable Future
This significant milestone underscores Myanmar's dedication to environmental conservation, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and preserve biodiversity. While challenges like deforestation persist, the rapid expansion of protected areas represents a crucial stride toward ecological sustainability and a greener future for the nation.
The government has declared it a national duty to further increase overall forest coverage to 50% of the country's area, emphasizing the critical link between abundant forest resources and the nation's socioeconomic development.
