Shwe Phee Myay, Feb 9
The Land and Forest Conservation Department of the Palaung State Liberation Front/Ta’ang National Liberation Army (PSLF/TNLA) has officially designated 250,000 acres of land in northern Shan State, as protected forest reserves, according to its statement released on Saturday.
This move aims to better manage and protect the region’s natural resources, the statement said. To ensure the land is used effectively, the department has divided the total area into four specific categories.
The largest area is the Commercial Forest Reserve, which covers 171,046 acres. The next largest is the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Reserve, spanning 42,341 acres to protect local wildlife and plants.
The remaining land includes 29,608 acres for the Watershed Forest Reserve to protect water sources and 22,950 acres for the Local Development Forest Reserve to support the needs of the community.
Warning signs have already been installed across several townships—including Kyaukme, Mogok, Momeik, Hsipaw, Kutkai, and Namkham—to mark the newly designated forest reserves.
According to the department, monthly meetings and educational sessions are being held with local residents. Communities are advised to avoid logging, setting forest fires, illegal timber extraction, and unauthorized gold mining within the protected areas.
The official announcement makes clear that anyone violating regulations in these reserves will face legal action under the relevant laws.
The department stated that the establishment of restricted forest reserves is intended to prevent the destruction and depletion of natural resources.
It also aims to safeguard the long term livelihoods of local residents and protect their right to live in an environment resilient against natural disasters. By doing so, the department emphasizes its commitment to preserving these natural assets for future generations.
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Translated by #KLT
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