Success: Myanmar Bans Logging To Protect Forests

Target: Htin Kyaw, President of Myanmar

Goal: Praise Myanmar for banning logging to protect natural resources and habitats.

Myanmar recently announced a complete ban on logging in order to combat deforestation. According to Yahoo News, Myanmar banned the export of timber back in 2014, but this was not sufficient to protect the country’s forests, because Myanmar’s own timber production continued, and some types of wood were still smuggled out of the country. Thanks to public pressure and petitions like this one published on ForceChange, Myanmar has now banned all logging.

In 1990, forests covered about 58 percent of Myanmar, but by 2010, forests only covered 47 percent. The majority of that drop can be attributed to commercial logging. Myanmar’s thousands of acres of forests serve as the habitat for countless plant and animal species, and are also home to the world’s largest tiger preserve. The disappearance of those forests would threaten the survival of tigers and many other species.

Although Maynmar must still be held accountable for human rights abuses such as persecution of and violence against Muslims, the country’s decision to ban logging is worthy of praise. To prioritize environmental protection over economic gains is commendable. Sign the petition below to thank Myanmar for banning logging.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear President Htin Kyaw,

I am writing to commend Myanmar for its recent ban on all logging. All around the world, forests are being ravaged for timber, producing devastating effects on the environment. Forests are vital for the health of the planet because they absorb the carbon dioxide that we emit from burning fossil fuels, combatting the greenhouse effect and giving us the oxygen we need to breathe. Forests also serve as habitats for countless species of animals and plants, many of which have valuable medicinal properties for humans.The forests of Myanmar are particularly special because they house the world’s largest tiger preserve.

Logging has caused significant destruction to the forests in your country, and you have bravely shut down the industry in order to protect this precious resource. Your ban on logging prioritizes environmental preservation over economic profit, and sets a positive example for other countries when it comes to environmental policies.

This ban on logging is a positive step toward improving your country, so that Myanmar can become a just society for all living creatures. I hope you will continue to make positive changes like this in the future.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo credit: CEPhoto, Uwe Aranas