The conservation of the natural environment and the fight against climate change through the planting and preservation of forests and trees are of utmost importance. So, the government is making efforts to reduce deforestation and to increase forest cover so that it reaches 50 per cent of the country’s total land area.
Forest reserves and protected public forests have been established, covering 26.11 per cent of the national territory, and 62 natural conservation areas have been designated for biodiversity conservation, accounting for 6.59 per cent of the country’s total land area. In both established forest areas and non-forest and inland regions, forest restoration activities are being beefed up to protect against the impacts of climate change, prevent flooding and soil erosion, and to mitigate natural disasters in advance.
From 2021 to 2025, more than 160,000 acres of plantations, including State-owned plantations, commercial plantations, industrial raw-material plantations, watershed plantations, mangrove plantations, and village fuelwood plantations, were established nationwide, with over 122 million trees planted in total. In 2026, it is also planned to plant over 21 million saplings across 30,000 acres nationwide, including State Forest plantations.
From 2016 to 2025, more than 269.8 million trees of various species were planted in Myanmar, which is roughly equivalent to about one million acres of forest. Although timber is used for various purposes due to human needs, if every tree planted is properly nurtured so that it survives and grows, it would be possible to fully prevent forest loss. In the 2026 monsoon season, monsoon tree planting activities are planned in the Union Territory of Nay Pyi Taw, as well as in regions, states, districts, and townships, with cultivation of 54,180 saplings in total.
In addition, special greening activities are being carried out in cooperation with relevant departments in 13 districts in the tropical regions, along railway lines, along both sides of ASEAN highways, and in areas around the Bagan ancient cultural heritage zone and Inlay Lake. Similarly, in coastal areas, 1,715 acres of mangrove plantations were established in 2025, with more than two million trees planted, and long-term plans have been developed up to 2030 to establish mangrove plantations annually.
In order to adapt to changing climate conditions, it is necessary to monitor and study climate-related information, upgrade early warning systems to reduce losses and damages caused by natural disasters, and encourage the adoption of good climate adaptation practices starting from individuals and involving all departments and organizations. Only then will it be possible to achieve a climate-resilient society with reduced carbon emissions.
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