EFFORTS are underway to increase nationwide forest cover to 50 per cent, and plans are also being drawn up and implemented for a national-level tiger conservation programme, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation.
To restore forest cover across the country and achieve 50 per cent forest coverage, measures are being carried out to expand forest reserves and protected public forests, to establish forest plantations, to promote roadside greening, and to implement greening initiatives in 13 districts within the central dry zone as a national responsibility.
In addition, as there is an urgent need to conserve and protect tigers and other rare wildlife species in the Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary in Sagaing Region, national-level tiger conservation plans are being formulated and implemented.
It is also reported that 24 camera traps have been installed for a period of 90 days to record wildlife in the Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary. Documentation and surveys are being conducted on the habitats of endangered species in the sanctuary, including the Bengal tiger, bear species, and other mammals and birds. — ASH/MKKS
