Myanmar forestry policy and institutional arrangement: Case study of mangrove deforestation between 1980 and 2015 San Win1 Sirinthornthep Towprayoon2 Amnat Chidthaisong3 Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, 126, PrachaUthit road, Bang Mod, Bangkok, Thailand E-mail: sanwin.fd@gmail.com1, san.win@mail.kmutt.ac.th1, sirin@jgsee.kmutt.ac.th2, amnat_c@jgsee.kmutt.ac.th3, amnat@jgsee.kmutt.ac.th3 Abstract-Mangrove forest in Myanmar, among 8 major forest types, is playing a key role in providing ecosystem services to coastal communities and the nation. It is found along the coast (2,400 km), from Naff River in Rakhine State to Pachyan River in Tanintharyi Region. It is threatened by increase of socioeconomic needs, and climate change. Objectives of the study include understanding existing law and policy, and institutional arrangement status, the cause and barriers, and ways cope with deforestation. The results are expected to be supportive in achieving sustainable development in parallel with conservation. There have been several reports on mangrove cover change in Myanmar. FAO (FRA 2007 & 2015) reported the mangrove cover decreasing from 555,500 ha (1980) to 299,000 ha (2015). In addition Forest Department (FD) reported the degradation rate of about 11,088 ha/yr. In terms of policies and institutional arrangements, forest Law was amended in 1992, Forest Policy in 1994 and Environmental Conservation Law (2012) were enacted. The Mangrove Sect ion under Wat ershed Management Division of FD, Environmental Conservation Department (2012) has been established, and the ministry was reformed in 2016. Despite specific law, policy, and regulations, forest degradation in Myanmar is still happening in many ways. Consequently, mangroves are conserved by establishing administrative boundary such as Reserved Forest and Protected Area since 1896 but (e.g. in Ayeyarwaddy) 136,448.26 ha of mangroves were degraded between 1980 and 2002. Myanmar needs clear and strong legal framework followed by enhancing institutional conservation methods activities, collaboration, raising awareness and alternative job opportunities, to protect mangroves taking into account these data from FAO and FD. Keywords: Mangrove, Ecosystem services, institution, deforestation, policy 88 Proceedings of the International Conference on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Policy and Practice 27-29 June 2016, Cha-am, Phetchaburi, Thailand
Proceedings of International Conference on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services for the Sustainable Development Goals : Policy and Practice 27-29 June 2016 at the Sirindhorn International Environmental Park, Cha-am, Phetchaburi, Thailand
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