Help sought for long-term conservation of Wunbaik reserve mangrove forest

By DMG 15 Jan 2022

DMG Newsroom
15 January 2022, Ramree

Assistance is needed for the long-term conservation of the Wunbaik reserve mangrove forest (WRMF), a major protected area for the ecologically important tree species in Arakan State, according to the Wunbaik Mangrove Forest Conservation Group, which is formed of local residents in Ramree Township. 

Residents of 14 villages in the northern part of Ramree Township have been patrolling the WRMF since September in an effort to curb illegal logging, but the need for long-term assistance remains, said Sayadaw Ashin Maheinda, patron of the Wunbaik Mangrove Forest Conservation Group. 

“There are many volunteers to patrol the Wunbaik reserve mangrove forest but we have no money. At present, we are collecting donations in these villages to find the money we need. In the long run, we need money,” the monk told DMG. 

The reserve is the second largest mangrove forest in Southeast Asia, but environmentalists point out that it is shrinking rapidly due to logging for firewood and charcoal. 

Hundreds of illegal logging boats have been seized during patrols four times a month, significantly deterring mangrove deforestation, Sayadaw Ashin Maheinda said. 

“We release them after they are told to sign a pledge not to commit [illegal logging] again. … People from all walks of life are coming here to cut down trees,” the monk added. 

Military forces, police and Forest Department personnel conducted joint patrols from November 3-7 in an effort to determine the extent of illegal logging in the WRMF. However, locals said no further inspections of that kind were carried out thereafter. 

“During the fighting in Arakan State, rangers from the Forest Department came to guard the mangrove forest,” said Ko Kyaw Kyaw Naing, a resident of Ramree town. “Now, rangers from the Forest Department have not been seen guarding the mangrove forest. At present, the mangroves are enduring because the villagers are patrolling the forests. So we need to help these organisations.” 

The WRMF covers more than 150,000 acres and is located in Arakan State’s Ramree and Kyaukphyu townships.