Kyaing Hein Lin, Narinjara News, 25February 2025 

The United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) has enforced a three-year prohibition on logging in the Arakan Mountains and nearby regions. 

An insider linked to the ULA/AA indicated that the prohibition will be implemented from 2025 until 2027. 

Although the ban is in place, the source confirmed that wood cut in earlier years can still be sold to avoid financial losses for timber merchants. 

“The ULA/AA has enforced a three-year moratorium on logging in Arakan State and its neighboring regions. Nonetheless, wood obtained in earlier years can still be processed to aid timber merchants. No additional logging will be permitted," the source indicated.

Furthermore, private timber producers intending to cultivate timber need to seek advice from the ULA/AA prior to moving forward. 

Khaing Min Thant, an environmental specialist located in Australia, informed Narinjara News that the logging ban might facilitate forest recovery, enhance wildlife numbers, and decrease carbon dioxide emissions.

"Restricting logging allows natural plants to regenerate, and animals reliant on the forest can come back. This likewise aids in preserving the balance of carbon dioxide levels, mitigating adverse environmental effects," he stated. 

He stated that managing timber production can aid agricultural endeavors and mitigate floods and landslides. 

Deforestation in Arakan State has emerged as a major concern because previous governments permitted illegal logging in the Arakan Mountains in partnership with businesspeople and cronies. 

Due to deforestation, the inhabitants of Arakan State frequently experience natural disasters such as floods and landslides, especially in the rainy season. 

As reported by the State Forest Department, from October to November 2020, officials confiscated 441.8 tonnes of teak, 378.8 tonnes of padauk, 2,019.3 tonnes of Group (2) timber, and 56.1 tonnes of other timber that were illegally trafficked in Arakan State. 

Likewise, during the 2019-2020 fiscal year, 1,842.8 tonnes of timber were confiscated in Arakan State. 

The unlawful logging occurred in various townships, such as Sittwe, Maungdaw, Kyaukphyu, Ann, Thandwe, Taungup, and Gwa. 

Taungup Township, adjacent to the Arakan Mountains, has experienced some of the highest rates of timber smuggling. 

A large portion of the illegally trafficked timber from Arakan State is sent to Bangladesh. 

Bangladesh imposes a stringent logging prohibition within its territory, yet it remains the top importer and user of illegal timber from Myanmar, frequently acquiring it at reduced costs.