A capacity building workshop to reduce illegal trade of forest products and wildlife has been organized on 11 and 12 March at the Golden Hill hotel in Lashio Town. The workshop is being jointly conducted by the Forest Department and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Myanmar.

Shan State Forest Department Director U Aung Mya delivered the opening speech at the workshop. He said 50 per cent of Myanmar’s legal trade with other countries is taking place on the Mandalay-Lashio-Muse section of the Union Road in Shan State (North). However, some goods are being traded illegally, he added.

“During the 2017-2018 fiscal year, the authorities confiscated 1,786 tons of teak and other hard wood. During the six-month interim budget period in 2018, the authorities seized over 3,200 tons of teak and other hard wood. This year, more action could be taken against those involved in the illegal trade of timber compared to last year thanks to the active and conscious participation of the public,” he said. “The authorities are now giving rewards to those who provide information on illegal trade. During the 2017-2018FY, the authorities presented rewards amounting to K762.89 million, including over K366 million to the Tatmadaw, over K389 million to the forest department, over K1.3 million to the police force, over K4.9 million to the public, and over K1.4 million to the mobile team,” he said.

“The authorities also presented rewards amounting to K179.48 million during the six-month interim budget last year. Although our department is taking measures to reduce the illegal trade of forest products and wildlife, it needs to be more active and seek conscientious cooperation from other related departments as well as the public,” he added.

WCS Myanmar Project Manager U Aung Kyaw then explained the purpose behind conducting the workshop, which is being attended by officials from Lashio, Kyaukme, and Hopan District Forest Departments, and other related departments.

—Han Htay (Lashio) 
(Translated by Hay Mar)