President launches 2026 National Tree-Planting Campaign in Minbu, calls for greater forest coverage

 

President U Min Aung Hlaing yesterday morning launched the Myanmar 2026 national monsoon tree-planting campaign in Minbu Township, Minbu District, Magway Region, where he planted a neem sapling and urged nationwide efforts to expand forest cover and combat climate change.

The ceremony, held at the Myanma Railways station and concrete factory compound in Minbu, was attended by senior officials, regional chief ministers, civil servants, teachers, students and residents. A total of 3,000 saplings representing eight native tree species were planted, compared with 1,000 trees planted during the campaign last year at the same location.

In his address, the President stressed that tree planting is vital for environmental conservation, ecosystem restoration, disaster prevention, and raising public awareness of forest protection. He highlighted the severe environmental challenges facing the central dry zone, noting that forest cover nationwide stood at 42.15 per cent in 2025, while forest cover in Magway Region was only 11.51 per cent.

He warned that declining forest cover has contributed to rising temperatures in the central region, with Chauk recording 48.2°C in 2024. He also cautioned that a strong El Niño event expected later this year could make 2026 and 2027 among the hottest years on record, increasing the risks of drought, wildfires and impacts on agriculture, livestock, public health and the economy. The President called for a national effort to increase forest cover to 50 per cent of the country’s land area, encouraging tree planting along roadsides and in communities. He urged the public to ensure every planted tree survives, describing forest conservation as a national responsibility to create a greener, more climate-resilient environment for future generations.

After the ceremony, the President inspected the Minhla-Minbu railway section and instructed officials to review the resumption of train services to improve passenger travel and freight transport. He also inspected the planned rehabilitation of Minbu’s riverside road, directing officials to strengthen embankments, repair bridges, rebuild the road and implement proper urban planning for nearby residential areas.

MNA/ST

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