Bilateral cooperation among the 5 South East Asian countries especially in training for technology transfer could be very beneficial for the countries concerned. For example Myanmar has along history of forest management and its still possesses a vast expense of good natural forests. Consequently, it can share its experience of natural forest management to its neighbour. Similarly, Thailand is very advanced in tree improvement; thus other countries can benefit from Thailand. Exchange of seeds could also be a good bilateral cooperation. All that is needed is a catalyst for better cooperation and collaboration.
There are many regional projects and organizations under which cooperation among the 5 countries can be achieved. Regional cooperation in the form of seed exchange, progeny and provenance trials, exchange of genetic materials and wood samples for research purpose, etc. is advisable. At the moment, TEAKNET in consultation with the Kerela Forest Research Institute in India is formulating a regional study on the migration of the teak defoliator, for which funding will be sought from FORSPA. Similarly, we have been approached by FORTIP and TEAKNET to organized a regional teak progeny and provenance trails. STRAP had been instrumental in the formation of the TEAKNET.
Myanmar is not yet a member of ASEAN. It has now gained the status of an observer. Member countries should cooperate actively within the framework of the ASEAN. There are a lot of areas where members can work closely for mutual benefits.
Forest Department of Myanmar has been cooperating with its neighbouring countries in the exchange of experts and information. Myanmar had received delegations from Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, China etc. The Forest Department had also conducted a course on " management of natural teak forest and elephant utilization in timber harvesting " for the professionals from Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and on "teak plantation establishment technique" for the personnel from the Forest Department of Laos. At the same time some forest officers from the Forest Department of Myanmar were invited by Thailand under TCP to study their forestry activities. Exchange of experts, research findings and study tours could greatly strengthen institution, improve forest management and enhance sustainable development in the region. Such activities should be increased with funding from economically more developed countries or the regional projects.
Exchange of information, especially on teak can be coordinated through TEAKNET (Asia Pacific Region). It is very important that all the countries in the region join and support this Network and utilize its facilities.
Although Myanmar is striving to manage its natural forests conscientiously for sustainable development under the Myanmar Selection System, it is still loosing its forests at the rate of 0.64 % of its actual forested area annually. Deforestation and degradation of forest are experienced all over the country. Worse is along the borders where illicit logging is uncontrollable without the cooperation of its neighbours.
There are also other transboundary issues. Consequently, the need for a forum where neighbour countries can talk about and find solutions to the cross-border conflicts is evident.
