Myanmar and Russia Commemorate Tiger Conservation Efforts with Special Postage Stamp Release

Yangon, The Gulf Observer: In a significant tribute to global wildlife preservation, Myanmar Post has released a new special postage stamp block to commemorate the Myanmar-Russia collaboration on tiger conservation. The release, held on 20 July, celebrates ongoing efforts under the International Tiger Conservation Forum.

The commemorative stamp issue, titled Myanmar-Russia Tiger Preservation, was launched for collectors and enthusiasts, uniting the spirit of conservation with philately. The initiative traces its origins to the first International Tiger Conservation Forum held in Saint Petersburg in 2010, followed by the second forum in Vladivostok, Russia, from 5 to 8 September 2022. At the latter, representatives from 14 tiger range countries agreed to release coordinated tiger stamps to highlight international solidarity in tiger preservation.

Myanmar contributed three distinctive tiger stamp designs to Russia’s official philatelic agency, MARKA, showcasing native tiger images alongside the national flags of both countries and the issue date, 20 July. These stamps were made available across major post offices in Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon, Mandalay, and other states and regions.

The newly released stamp set — a block of three stamps valued at K200 each — features striking images of tigers from Yangon, Mandalay, and Nay Pyi Taw zoological gardens, as well as from Hukaung and Htamathi Wildlife Sanctuaries. Some visuals were sourced via camera traps, underscoring Myanmar’s active field research in tiger habitats.

In total, 26 stamp designs were created as part of the initiative, made possible through cooperation between the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation and the Ministry of Transport and Communications.

U Nyein Aung, Staff Officer at the Taninthayi Nature Reserve, emphasized the global nature of tiger conservation: “We are glad for the release of stamps. If we work with countries that have advanced conservation practices, like Russia, we can achieve meaningful outcomes. Tiger conservation cannot be done by one country alone. Through collaboration, we can prevent extinction and ensure a sustainable population.”

Globally, nine tiger subspecies are known, of which three — the Balinese, Caspian, and Javan tigers — are already extinct. Myanmar is home to Bengal and Indo-Chinese tigers. The issuance of tiger-themed stamps marks both a conservation milestone and a testament to the Myanmar-Russia partnership under the broader framework of the International Tiger Conservation Forum.