Myanmar

Myanmar, the second largest country in mainland Southeast Asia, is home to a wealth of biodiversity. The country still harbours large tracts of forest and many charismatic and unique species such as the red panda and the Myanmar snub-nosed monkey. The latter was only discovered in 2010 by Fauna & Flora International (FFI) and partners.

In stark contrast to the country’s biological riches, over two thirds of the country’s human population currently live below the poverty line and depend on natural resources for their survival.

Despite their high dependence on natural resources, local people have been excluded from decisions concerning the country’s protected areas.  Yet this situation is slowly changing. For the first time grass roots organisations are being established to address issues of environmental governance and human welfare.

FFI is working with these emerging organisations in Chin and Kachin states with our local partner Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Association (BANCA). We are focusing on building their skills in forest and protected area management.

We are also offering guidance to state-run protected area management authorities on how to work alongside these grass roots organisations to tackle the many and mounting threats that country’s natural resources face, such as illegal logging, hunting and shifting agriculture.