Illegal logging on the rise in Arakan amid political instability: environmental group
Despite the depletion of forest resources in Arakan State and the need for timely conservation efforts, illegal logging has been increasing during Myanmar’s current political unrest, said Dr. Maung Maung Kyi, chairman of the Rakhine Coastal Region Conservation Association (RCA).
He continued that while forest resources in Arakan State were declining due to over-exploitation, the current political instability was exacerbating the situation and could lead to ecosystem degradation if not managed in time.
“The Forest Department is no longer able to patrol forests as before due to political instability and some foresters joining the anti-coup campaign called Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM). As a result, more and more people are smuggling timber and extracting illegal forest products,” he said.
Development Media Group
