A Value Chain Approach to Sustainable Forest Management? Timber Supply Chain Practices for Sustainability in Myanmar’s Forest Sector

Abstract

Myanmar’s forest management system, timber production and trade have been criticised as being exclusionary and responsible for forest loss in the country. These criticisms have overshadowed some good practices in timber production and trade in the country. This study used a value chain approach to assess timber production and trade in the country to provide important lessons that can be learned from the sector. We contend that, in spite of its weaknesses, there are good policy measures and practices in timber production and trade, which are not only necessary for sustainable timber supply, but also important for sustainable forest management and climate change mitigation mechanisms. These exemplary measures and practices include the method of scientific forest management (the Myanmar Selection System), the use of Reduced Impact Logging technique in harvesting timber, the use of elephants skidding and river transportation, timber legality monitoring and the introduction of the log export ban on timber trade. However, more needs to be done to improve the social sustainability aspect of the timber value chain.