NAY PYI TAW — Myanmar has designated more than 61,000 acres of forest in Shan State as a protected public forest, strengthening conservation measures in one of the country’s ecologically important areas.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation designated the Thuwunnashan Protected Public Forest in Mongpyin Township, Kengtung District, effective September 1. The area covers approximately 61,008 acres.

The designation is intended to strengthen protection of forest resources and help preserve the area’s natural environment.

Protected forests can play an important role in conserving biodiversity, maintaining water resources and reducing environmental degradation.

The move comes as Myanmar continues to face pressure on its forests from development, agricultural expansion and other activities. Establishing protected areas provides authorities with a framework for managing land and natural resources more carefully.

The newly designated area is located in Shan State, a region known for its extensive forests and mountainous landscapes.

Environmental authorities can use protected-forest status to regulate activities and support longer-term conservation efforts.

Forest protection is also important for communities that depend on natural resources and surrounding ecosystems for agriculture, water and livelihoods.

Myanmar has been working to expand and strengthen conservation areas as part of its wider natural-resource management policies.

The latest designation demonstrates the government’s intention to place additional areas under formal environmental protection.

Conserving large forest landscapes can also help protect wildlife habitats and maintain ecological systems that extend beyond individual administrative boundaries.

The new protected area adds to Myanmar’s broader efforts to manage its forest resources while balancing environmental protection with economic and community needs.