Min Aung Hlaing Reaffirms Myanmar’s Commitment to Forest Conservation at 2025 Monsoon Tree-Growing Ceremony
Yangon, The Gulf Observer: Myanmar’s Chairman of the State Administration Council and Prime Minister, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, reaffirmed his government’s commitment to forest conservation during the first monsoon tree-growing ceremony of 2025, held at Yanaungmyin Forest Reserve in Dekkhinathiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw. The event emphasized efforts to curb deforestation and expand national forest coverage.
At the ceremony, the Senior General personally planted a Gangaw tree (Mesua ferrea) and reiterated the administration’s goal of increasing forest coverage to 50 per cent nationwide, positioning it as a national duty. He acknowledged a gradual decline in forest coverage — from 42.92 per cent in 2015 to 42.15 per cent in 2025, according to preliminary reports — and stressed the urgency of reversing this trend.
“The government has prioritized tree growing, forest management, and long-term expansion of forested areas to mitigate the impact of deforestation,” he stated. Highlighting global targets, he referred to the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests, which aims to increase global forest area by 3 per cent by 2030.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing outlined several key achievements and upcoming initiatives:
- 3.2 million saplings have been planted during nine tree-growing events he led in Nay Pyi Taw, with a 94 per cent survival rate.
- More than 90.55 million saplings were distributed to the public from 2021 to 2024.
- In 2025’s monsoon season, the government plans to distribute 20.59 million trees, each over two feet tall, for nationwide planting.
- A total of 3,000 saplings from 15 different species were planted during the ceremony.
The Senior General also detailed components of the Green Development Plan, which include:
- Forest plantations along roadsides and riverbanks.
- Conservation of mangrove forests.
- Establishment of two-acre forest patches in each village across 13 arid districts.
- Development of multi-purpose plantations and village firewood plantations.
- Afforestation efforts in Bagan’s ancient cultural zone and in areas affected by Typhoon Yagi.
The ceremony was attended by Vice-Senior General Soe Win, SAC officials, Union ministers, students, and academic personnel from various educational institutions, including the University of Forestry and Environmental Conservation.
Following the tree-planting event, the Senior General inspected the Uttarathiri Dam, where he was briefed on repair plans addressing water infiltration and structural weaknesses. He emphasized the importance of systematic inspections and long-term stability measures to ensure the dam’s resilience.
The monsoon tree-growing initiative reflects Myanmar’s broader strategy to combat climate change, support rural livelihoods, and promote ecological sustainability, the Senior General said, urging all sectors of society to take active part in restoring and preserving the nation’s forests.
