About RAFT 3 - Myanmar

Key Facts

The recent political and economic opening of the country has created opportunities for trade relations with new markets that are increasingly demanding assurances of legality and sustainability. 

In 2014, the country launched its preparatory phase of Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) negotiations with the EU. 

Challenges persist as the poor quality of forest governance and management over the last several decades and a decline in forestry education have produced a generation of forest managers with limited knowledge of current sustainable forest management practices. 

What We Are Doing

Assisting the Government, communities and the private sector to develop a clear vision for the role of sustainable forest management and transition towards credible legality and sustainability in the forest sector. 

How? 

• Supporting a participatory process in the review and revision of Myanmar Selection System (MSS)
• Training and providing technical support to the Forest Department on forest management and monitoring 
• Training communities on responsible forest products trade. 
• Hosting a multi-stakeholder dialogue on timber legality verification and the steps involved in putting one into place.