Untangling the proximate causes and underlying drivers of deforestation and forest degradation in Myanmar

Lim, Cheng Ling; Prescott, Graham W.; Alban, Jose Don T. De; Ziegler, Alan D.; Webb, Edward L.

doi:10.1111/cobi.12984

Cited by 99 publications

(79 citation statements)

References 33 publications

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“…Accurate estimates of land cover and change dynamics are of paramount importance to provide a robust foundation to inform management and conservation strategies, and Myanmar has been a focal area of this advancement given its expansive mangroves, high societal dependence on them, and the expected intensification of pressures to convert them over the next decade , Lim et al 2017. A recent and revised Landsatderived estimate of mangrove cover and change for Myanmar highlighted a growing mangrove deforestation crisis, and demonstrated the need to develop ground-up datasets and avoid sub-setting global datasets for national-level mangrove estimates (Estoque et al 2018).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Improved estimates of mangrove cover and change reveal catastrophic deforestation in Myanmar

Alban

Jamaludin

Wen

et al. 2020

Environ. Res. Lett.

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Mangroves are one of the world's most threatened ecosystems, and Myanmar is regarded as the current mangrove deforestation hotspot globally. Here, we use multi-sensor satellite data and Intensity Analysis to quantify and explain patterns of net and gross mangrove cover change (loss, gain, persistence) for the 1996-2016 period across all of Myanmar. Net national mangrove cover declined by 52% over 20 years, with annual net loss rates of 3.60%-3.87%. Gross mangrove deforestation was more profound: 63% of the 1996 mangrove extent had been temporarily or permanently converted by 2016. Rice, oil palm, and rubber expansion accounted for most conversion; however, our analysis revealed targeted systematic transitions of mangroves to water (presumably aquaculture) and built-up areas indicated emerging threats for mangroves from those land uses. Restoration programmes facilitated mangrove gains and represent a critical area for investment alongside protection. This study demonstrates the importance of multi-sensor satellite data for national-level mangrove change assessments, along with gross land cover transition analyses to assess landscape dynamics as well as prioritise threats and interventions in an effort to develop holistic strategies that aim to conserve important habitats.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Improved estimates of mangrove cover and change reveal catastrophic deforestation in Myanmar

Alban

Jamaludin

Wen

et al. 2020

Environ. Res. Lett.

Self Cite

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“…• Land use conversion (primarily for agriculture and mining). An estimated 1 million ha, both in and out of the PFE is estimated to have been converted for commercial plantations and mining between 2002 and 2014 (Lim et al 2017). It is estimated that 27 percent of forest loss was attributed to large-scale plantation crops (oil palm, rubber, and sugar) (Bhagwat et al 2017).…”

Section: Drivers Of Deforestationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Myanmar Country Environmental Analysis

2019

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“…, ; Lim et al. ). From 1962 to 2011, Myanmar had a highly centralized, authoritarian state and a command‐and‐control economy relatively isolated from global markets.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Abrupt transitions (e.g., coups d'états) preclude prior assessments. The gradual nature of Myanmar's transitions, however, provides opportunity for proactive debate and analysis (Webb et al , 2014Lim et al 2017). From 1962 to 2011, Myanmar had a highly centralized, authoritarian state and a commandand-control economy relatively isolated from global markets.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%