Thinzar Nwe,Narinjara News, 4 October 2024

Amidthe Arakan conflict, more than 700,000 mangrove trees have been planted throughgrassroots initiatives led by Ko Myo Lwin, an environmental activist from AnnTownship, Arakan State.

Accordingto Ko Myo Lwin's interview with Narinjara News, most of the mangrove plantinghas taken place in the forest between Ann Township and Kyaukphyu Township sinceNovember 2023 when battles for the towns commenced.

Speakingabout their efforts, Ko Myo Lwin stated, "Once stability is restored inArakan State, reforestation and tree planting will follow. We anticipatechallenges in collaborating on these efforts then. This is why we are plantingnow despite the difficulties. Our primary goal is to replant in previouslydeforested areas and to introduce trees that provide food for birds."

Ayoung participant involved in mangrove tree planting highlighted significantchallenges faced in cultivating mangroves, including escalating fuel andsapling costs as well as constant artillery shelling and airstrikes from thejunta.

 
"It'snot as straightforward as before. Fuel prices have increased, and saplings arenow seven percent more expensive. When transportation costs are factored in,there has been a 90 percent overall rise. Accessibility to roads has alsodiminished; thus, supplies must be sourced from distant locations.Additionally, we need to be vigilant about potential artillery shelling by thejunta while planting," he explained.

Localinhabitants reported instances of mangrove trees being felled for firewood dueto livelihood crises which continues to contribute to ongoing deforestation ofmangroves.

Conservationistsstressed that preserving mangrove forests is crucial given that the Arakanregion is coastal; they warned that deforestation could lead to severeconsequences such as heightened vulnerability to natural disasters and loss ofwater resources, including fish and shrimp.

"Mangroveforests shield us from natural disasters; during storms they mitigate windspeeds and obstruct sea waves propelled by wind from reaching coastal areasswiftly. Furthermore, mangroves play a pivotal role in combating climatechange," emphasized Ko Myo Lwin.

Since202, Ko Myo Lwin and his team have primarily focused on planting mangrove treeswhile simultaneously tending naturally growing plants.

Inprevious years, people planted mangroves along riverbanks within Ann township,such as Taungup and Kyaukphyu townships; however, ongoing conflicts haverendered certain areas unsuitable for further plantation activities.

Photo: Ko Myo Lwin