Conservation

In the Southeast Asian nation of Myanmar, The Nature Conservancy is working to improve forestry practices and fight illegal logging to protect some of the region’s last-remaining pristine forests.

The forests of Myanmar are among the world’s most biologically rich—and mysterious. In just the past decade, scientists have found a new magnolia tree, rainbow-headed snakes, and the Myanmar snub-nosed monkey—a curious primate with no nose that hides its face in between its knees during storms to avoid inhaling raindrops.

Throughout these lands are timber elephants— domesticated animals that have been used for centuries to haul logs from the forest to market. These animals are considered family by their caretakers. Even today, they are one of the most environmentally friendly ways to harvest timber. 

For decades, Myanmar was isolated from the rest of the world. Now, as the nation moves to grow its economy, The Nature Conservancy is working to protect nearly 2.5 million acres of forests in Myanmar through a strong partnership with forestry officials and small villages. TNC is conducting scientific studies, supporting efforts to plant new trees, fighting illegal loggers, and exploring new methods of sustainable logging.