An exciting milestone has been reached in the final stage of the APFNet-funded project “Integrated Forest Ecosystem Management Planning and Demonstration Project in the Greater Mekong Sub-region (Myanmar site)”. On 10 March 2025, the education centre inside the arboretum of the Forest Research Institute (FRI), Nay Pyi Taw, was officially opened. As one of the key achievements of the project, it aims to enhance public knowledge and awareness of natural resource conservation.
The new 75m2 education centre introduces visitors to native plant species, forestry-related environmental processes and sustainable land management practices through multimedia displays. Equipped with a topographic 3D map of the arboretum, a smart TV and other engaging features, the centre will enable visitors to elevate their understanding of conservation and sustainability and find a greater appreciation of Myanmar’s biodiversity.
Displays showing the wood (L) and seeds of local tree species(R) (@Xin Shuyu/APFNet)
The education centre’s inauguration ceremony, presided over by H. E. U. Khin Maung Yi, Union Minister of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, welcomed over 70 forestry officials, researchers, local community members and other project partners. The Minister thanked APFNet and commented on the wider impact of the project, noting “The significant point of this project is that it pays attention not only to build capacity for local staff and community leaders but also to promote livelihoods of the local community and social improvement.”
Delegates at the ceremony(@FRI)
Following on, Dr Lu De, Executive Director of APFNet, gave a congratulatory remark. He shared his appreciation of the long-lasting constructive cooperation with and strong support from the Myanmar counterparts to this project and other APFNet activities. He expressed that Myanmar is an active member of APFNet and although the project is complete, the friendship continues, and more opportunities to collaborate are to be explored, especially on capacity-building programs.
Ribbon cutting for the opening of the Education Centre (@FRI)
PROJECT COMPLETION AND ACHIEVEMENTS
After five years of implementation by the Myanmar Forest Research Institute, from November 2019 to March 2025, the project successfully met its objectives. To contribute to the preservation of Myanmar’s valuable and threatened forest germplasm, the project established a 25-ha arboretum with a native forest conservation zone, 8 thematic zones, and a greenhouse showcasing 75 local species. An existing plant breeding nursery was upgraded and germplasm collected for 75 vulnerable species is being raised in the upgraded facility. To demonstrate integrated watershed management practices in the Paung Laung watershed, agroforestry demonstration plots in Lein Li village were established and utilized in training sessions. Finally, to enhance the capacity and knowledge of the local community, local government and forestry staff, the project delivered 10 training sessions to over 200 participants. The training covered a wide range of topics, including sustainable bamboo forest management, agroforestry and watershed management, mapping including QGIS, as well as sessions on turmeric and bamboo processing and marketing to enhance economic value.
A group enjoys the arboretum’s native forest conservation zone (@FRI)
Training sessions on watershed management and agroforestry in
the agroforestry demonstration site (L) and turmeric processing with the new equipment (R)
In meeting its objectives, it is hoped that this project will empower local communities and support Myanmar’s sustainable development. As Dr Thaung Naing Oo, the Director General of the Forest Department of Myanmar said at the completion workshop, “The project greatly enhanced the institute and local community’s capacities on sustainable forest management, the support from APFNet is crucial for implementing Myanmar’s Sustainable Development Plan.”
For more detailed project information click here: Integrated Planning and Management of Forest Ecosystem in Greater Mekong Sub-region - Myanmar site
