Introduction

Myanmar, a tropical country in Continental South East Asia, lies between latitudes 9° 58' to 28° 29' North and longitudes 92° 10' to 101° 10' East. The country has a total land area of 676,577 km2. The country's length from south to north is about 2,090 km and the maximum width from west to east is about 805 km. The country has four important river systems, flowing in the north-southerly direction, of which the Ayeyawady River, the main waterway, is navigable for about 1,450 km. Myanmar is regarded as a land of diverse culture, traditions and natural resources. It is endowed with one of the largest forest covers in the region. More than half of the country is still covered with forest s, which are well managed under the Myanma Selection System (MSS). Forest resources play a dominant role in improving the socio-economic life of the people of the nation. The country is the world's prime supplier of natural teak (Tectona grandis), which is one of the pillars of the State's economy. About 75% of the total population of 49 million live in rural areas, depending upon forest resources. The forestry sector provides goods and services for domestic consumption as well as export markets. The forestry sector constituted around l % of the national GDP annually over the last decade. Export earnings made by the forestry sector constituted about 30% of the country's total in the early l990s, followed by decreasing shares in total export earnings in the subsequent years due to increases in other sectors. But, it has increased considerably in 98-99 and 99-2000. Growth rate of GDP of the forestry sector is about 2.7% of the total national GDP in 96-97, 1.3% in 97-98, 1% in 98-99 and 0.9% in 99-2000. The role of forests for environmental stability and for soil and water conservation is increasingly recognized by the State. The protected areas system is well established with the set-up of parks and sanctuaries. Myanmar is committed to sustainable development of forests and biological resources through accession to a number of international conventions and agreements. In effect, forestry in Myanmar has been well in place, maintaining a balance between environment, development and social needs.