THE Ministry of Natural Re­sources and Environmental Conservation has reported that it is working jointly with local communities to curb for­est fires and slash-and-burn farming practices that give rise to fire hotspots and haze pollution.

Approximately 160,000 fire hotspots occur annually in countries across the Mekong region, with transboundary haze pollution mainly affect­ing northern Thailand, eastern Myanmar and Laos. Myanmar is also cooperating with the international community on ef­forts to reduce the occurrence of fire hotspots and to control transboundary haze pollution.

“With a view to prevent­ing forest fires and slash-and-burn farming that cause fire hotspots and haze pollution, we are working together with relevant departments, ward and village administrators, and residents to raise public awareness and to strengthen monitoring and supervision. As a result of these efforts, 4,876 fire hotspots were re­corded in Shan State (East) in 2024, while 3,402 were re­corded in 2025, representing a reduction of 30 per cent,” said an official from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Envi­ronmental Conservation.

To reduce forest fires and slash-and-burn farming that led to fire hotspots and haze pollution in Shan State (East), officials from relevant depart­ments, town elders, social or­ganizations, literary and cul­tural associations, ward and village administrators, and residents are working together in cooperation. — ASH/KNN