http://www.dw.de/deforestation-in-myanmar-threatens-biodiversity-and-communities/a-18314594
Deutsche Welle News
Jennifer Collins
March 13, 2015
Concerning the Myanmar deforestation issue, this article clearly addresses the impact of the developing problem - being severe rates of deforestation in Myanmar's richest forests. Nearly 5.2 million acres of forestland has been already allocated by the government for agribusiness projects, and another 11 million are being identified. To add to that, nearly half of the country's land is covered in lush forests, home to thousands of species which live in many different levels in trees, bushes, grass and soil.
The forestland cut down is meant to be used for building rubber and biofuel plantations in the Kachin State, and oil palm and rubber plantations in the Tanintharyi Region.
Conflict among minorities
The biggest issue which comes from this occurrence, is the dispute over the land itself. Much of the land is home to ethnic minority groups, which settle in villages near the forests. These ethnic groups have been stripped of their ownership rights, which may therefore fuel old armed conflicts with the local government. The companies and businesses are promising to provide employment and economic development to the local communities, which in fact is opposed by the villagers themselves, due to the fact that their farming fields would be taken away too. Much of the land initially would be empty prior to the allocation of employment, therefore infuriating these people rather than satisfying. The issue of mass deforestation then comes down to the people affected by it, as the unattended claim overlaps with their historical ownership of land which is no longer recognised.
Discontinued Planting
After forests are cut down, it is the wrongdoer's responsibility to re-plant in the region which was devastated, for future opportunities and rebirth of the environment in that case. This should be monitored by the government too, however in Myanmar there seems to be a loop hole. According to Kevin Woods, the author of an issued report on this case, only 15% of the cleared land has been planted. This leaves the remaining 85%, over 4 million acres, bare and unplanted - which concessions cannot cover. This is a great issue, as succession will take much longer than if the seed was set by human hands or even by machines, which means many species would probably become extinct by that time, as they won't have enough land to occupy if they attempt to migrate.
Illegal Business
This whole issue in Myanmar in fact is happening illegally - logging rights to those forests are very difficult to attain, yet if they had been attained, definitely not for nearly 17 million acres of land (Forest Trends - conservation organisation). The only reason this is permitted and valued by the government and businesses, is because the timber found in Myanmar's forests (teak), is a very high quality and expensive product, with exports jumping from $1 billion to $1.6 billion in 2 years. Therefore businesses are seeking more, including European and North American markets. This economic benefit for all is also the reason for the highest rate of deforestation on earth.
In my opinion, this is an underestimated and marginalised issue, as global economy should be in an equilibrium with nature rather than pressing to the extremes and destroying their own future for simple instant demands. Despite the economic issues in 2013, it is also Myanmar's place to restrict companies from destroying completely their precious forests, which are home to many rare species. Quite a few of the mammals which inhabit the forests of Myanmar are considered to be Endangered, and majority are considered to be Vulnerable - meaning that they have a high chance of becoming extinct. This is a call to all of us, despite our small impact on companies decisions, but as future workers and leaders, to take action and prevent extreme cases of deforestation like this.
Deutsche Welle News
Jennifer Collins
March 13, 2015
Concerning the Myanmar deforestation issue, this article clearly addresses the impact of the developing problem - being severe rates of deforestation in Myanmar's richest forests. Nearly 5.2 million acres of forestland has been already allocated by the government for agribusiness projects, and another 11 million are being identified. To add to that, nearly half of the country's land is covered in lush forests, home to thousands of species which live in many different levels in trees, bushes, grass and soil.The forestland cut down is meant to be used for building rubber and biofuel plantations in the Kachin State, and oil palm and rubber plantations in the Tanintharyi Region.
Conflict among minorities
The biggest issue which comes from this occurrence, is the dispute over the land itself. Much of the land is home to ethnic minority groups, which settle in villages near the forests. These ethnic groups have been stripped of their ownership rights, which may therefore fuel old armed conflicts with the local government. The companies and businesses are promising to provide employment and economic development to the local communities, which in fact is opposed by the villagers themselves, due to the fact that their farming fields would be taken away too. Much of the land initially would be empty prior to the allocation of employment, therefore infuriating these people rather than satisfying. The issue of mass deforestation then comes down to the people affected by it, as the unattended claim overlaps with their historical ownership of land which is no longer recognised.
Discontinued PlantingAfter forests are cut down, it is the wrongdoer's responsibility to re-plant in the region which was devastated, for future opportunities and rebirth of the environment in that case. This should be monitored by the government too, however in Myanmar there seems to be a loop hole. According to Kevin Woods, the author of an issued report on this case, only 15% of the cleared land has been planted. This leaves the remaining 85%, over 4 million acres, bare and unplanted - which concessions cannot cover. This is a great issue, as succession will take much longer than if the seed was set by human hands or even by machines, which means many species would probably become extinct by that time, as they won't have enough land to occupy if they attempt to migrate.
Illegal Business
This whole issue in Myanmar in fact is happening illegally - logging rights to those forests are very difficult to attain, yet if they had been attained, definitely not for nearly 17 million acres of land (Forest Trends - conservation organisation). The only reason this is permitted and valued by the government and businesses, is because the timber found in Myanmar's forests (teak), is a very high quality and expensive product, with exports jumping from $1 billion to $1.6 billion in 2 years. Therefore businesses are seeking more, including European and North American markets. This economic benefit for all is also the reason for the highest rate of deforestation on earth.
In my opinion, this is an underestimated and marginalised issue, as global economy should be in an equilibrium with nature rather than pressing to the extremes and destroying their own future for simple instant demands. Despite the economic issues in 2013, it is also Myanmar's place to restrict companies from destroying completely their precious forests, which are home to many rare species. Quite a few of the mammals which inhabit the forests of Myanmar are considered to be Endangered, and majority are considered to be Vulnerable - meaning that they have a high chance of becoming extinct. This is a call to all of us, despite our small impact on companies decisions, but as future workers and leaders, to take action and prevent extreme cases of deforestation like this.
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