Patterns and Drivers of Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Myanmar

Zaw Naing Tun, Paul Dargusch, McMoran Dj, Clive McAlpine and Genia Hill
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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
McMoran Dj: 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

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 14, 1-27

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.

Keywords: deforestation; forest degradation; land use; landcover change; Myanmar (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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