SLORC RESPONDS TO OBSERVER ARTICLE

[sain@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

On March 23rd, 1997  the Observer newspaper in the UK ran an article called
"Save the Rhino, Kill the People" written by British journalists Adrian
Levy,  Cathy Scott-Clark, and David Harrison. 

On 14th May, 1997 in the New Light of Myanmar the National English speaking
daily in Burma,  SLORC responds.

A FORESTERS FURY.
YE MYINT (FOREST)

Myanmar is characterised by snow-covered Himalaya mountain ranges in the
north, Shan Plateau in the east, Bago Yoma in the central and Rakhine Yoma
in the west.  The Ayeyawady, Sittoung and Thanlwin Rivers flow from north to
south under such geographical conditions.

Different types of forests grow in different areas acording to the varying
geographical and climatic conditions. 

The forests are: hill forests in the far north, pine forests and tropical
rain forests, pine forests in the Shan Plateau, deciduous forests in the
central and mangrove forests in the far south.

Over 7,000 species of trees and plants are recorded to be growing in these
forests.  There also remain other species that have not been recorded.  

A variety of birds and animals also inhabit in those forests.

Myanmar became the battle ground for twice during the Second World War.
After regaining independence, the nation was confronted with internal strife
for more than 40 years.  Even after experiencing such periods, Myanmar still
has about 50 per cent forest cover.

Of those there include 17 kinds of forests such as sanctuary forests,
sanctuary parks and natural reserves which remain intact free from timber
extraction.  They constitute two per cent of total area.  They are situated
in different parts of the country.  Among them Khakaborazi protected area
and Htamanthi sanctuary lie in the north, Chatthin and Shwesettaw forests in
the central, and the newly-established Myinmo Letkat Nature Reserve in the
far south.  Directives have been included in the forest policy to expand the
area of those types of forests up to five per cent.

Myanma forests need to be effectively protected and nurtured in conformity
with the changing conditions.  Accordingly, the Forest Law was introduced in
1992 and Protection of WIld Life and WIld Plants Law in 1994.  Moreover, the
forest policy that did not exist in specific terms in the past was announced
in 1995.

Policy experts of the Food and Agriculture Organization assisted in writing
the forest policy.

Moreover, they often organized regional conferences and workshops.
International forest experts who attended those conferences and workshops
also observed the objective conditions of Myanma forests.  Realizing the
situation in Myanma, they unanimously decided to designate the worlds
teaknet centre in Myanma.

Besides, Myanma geographical conditions and Myanma forests rich in
biodiversity attracted the world attention.  Hence, attempts were jointly
made to scale the Mount Khakaborazi.  There were two attempts.  On the
second attempt, two male climbers - one Myanmar national and one Japanese -
successfully stepped their feet on top of the mountain.

After the first attempt, the French wife of the Japanese climber wrote an
article in the Himalayan journal about the joint friendship trip. 

She began in her article that they had been able to translate their
aspirations in 1993 after peace was restored in Kachin State.  She described
Khakaborazi as "One of the last hidden places in Himalaya".  It is enjoyable
to read the materials about the benefits of peace and beauty of nature
written by nature lovers.  

Lately, Director of Asian Affairs Science and Technology of the Wild Life
Conservation Society Dr. Alan Rabinowitz proposed that he would like to
study blue sheep in the country.

Hence, experts of the Ministry of Forestry and the Ministry of Education are
jointly studying his request.

Myanmar experts include those of the Forest Department and Survey Department
in addition to the Departments of Geography, Zoology and Botany of the
Yangon University.

The Myanmar experts will also study and collect data on the wild life and
plants in addition to the blue sheep in those areas hardly frequented by
man. They will also study the beauty of nature. 

They will then confirm the heights of the Survey department.  They will
collect socio-economic data about the local people in those areas.  In other
words they will be able to extensively collect facts about natural science
of the area barely frequented by man.

As the world attention focus on Myanma forests which are rich in
bio-diversity, Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) throughout the world
are extending their cooperation in forest conservation programmes in the
respective sectors.

However, I, as a forester was much displeased when I read an article in a
foreign newspaper.  Because it described extablishment of Myinmo Letkat
Nature Reserve as a negative process in reporting a localised fighting.  The
intention of the article writer was to prevent the NGOs from continuing
their cooperation in Myanmar concerning forests.

When I read that article the second time I was not displeased.  In fact, I
was furious.  Because I felt insulted since it discreded the noble efforts.

Ill effects of war could not jeopardize the good deed of Flaurence
Nightingale.  SImilarly, they cannot abuse our goodwill. 

Whatever, the magnificent forest policy, the correct forest management
system,active undertakings and biodiversity - rich forests and landscapes of
Myanma will continue to appeal to the hearts of nature lovers.

(Translation:  MMA)