Siem Reap, Cambodia – June 12-16, 2023
The Myanmar Forest Certification Committee (MFCC) show its commitment to sustainable forestry practices by sending a delegation to the 26th Meeting of the ASEAN Senior Officials on Forestry and Related meetings. The event took place on June 12-16, 2023, in Siem Reap, Cambodia. MFCC-ITTO project coordinator also attend the 26th ASEAN Working Group on Forest Products Development on 12th and 13th June.
The AWG-FPD meeting serves as a platform for ASEAN member states to collaborate on vital issues related to forest products development, certification, and sustainable forestry management. This annual gathering plays a important role in shaping regional policies and strategies to promote responsible forestry practices, and Myanmar’s active participation shows its dedication to these principles.
Key Agenda Items Addressed by the Myanmar Delegation
The Myanmar delegation, which included representatives from the Forest Department of Myanmar, actively engaged in discussions and deliberations on several agenda items. And for MFCC there was a particular focus on Agenda Item 6, which pertained to the “Progress in the Implementation of Policy Framework Related to ASEAN Cooperation in Forestry.” The discussions were centered around matters arising from the 25th ASEAN Senior Officials on Forestry (ASOF), Special Senior Officials Meeting of the 43rd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry (SOM-43rd AMAF), and the Preparatory Senior Officials Meeting of the 44th AMAF Meeting.
During the meeting, the Myanmar delegation shared valuable insights into the progress made in the implementation of policy frameworks related to ASEAN cooperation in forestry. This included discussions on key decisions made in previous ASEAN meetings that were relevant to the work of AWG-FPD, which provided vital information and context for the participants.
Myanmar delegations also presented a progress report on its efforts to implement timber certification and legality assurance systems, in line with ASEAN Criteria and Indicators (C&I) for the legality of timber and the ASEAN Chain of Custody (CoC) Guidelines. The delegation also discussed the possibility of updating these guidelines to enhance traceability within the ASEAN region.
Commitment to Sustainable Forestry in Myanmar
Myanmar’s participation in the 26th ASEAN Senior Officials on Forestry and Related Meetings underscores its commitment to sustainable forestry practices and the responsible management of its forest resources. The delegation’s active engagement in the discussions demonstrates Myanmar’s dedication to aligning its forestry policies and practices with international standards and regional cooperation efforts.
As we continues our journey toward responsible forestry practices and sustainable resource management, participation in forums like the AWG-FPD meeting remains crucial. The insights gained from such events allow Myanmar to refine its strategies and collaborate with ASEAN member states in fostering a more sustainable and environmentally friendly forestry sector.
The MFCC appreciate the delegation for their active and insightful contributions during the 26th AWG-FPD meeting. MFCC-ITTO project coordinator also shows its dedication to promoting responsible forestry practices aligns with MFCC’s mission of ensuring the sustainability of Myanmar’s forests.
