The assessment of deforestation, forest degradation, and carbon release in myanmar 2000-2010

Myanmar is rich in forest resources. Deforestation and forest degradation in Myanmar have recently attracted much attention worldwide. This Chapter explores spatio-temporal patterns of deforestation and forest degradation, and assesses forest carbon release in Myanmar between 2000 and 2010 using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite imagery. Results suggest that the total deforestation area during the study period was 82,426 km2 with an annual deforestation rate of 2.07%. The total forest degradation area was 85.5 km2 with an annual degradation rate of 0.002%. Evergreen broadleaf forests had the largest deforestation area, and the highest deforestation rate was found for deciduous broadleaf forests. Evergreen needleleaf forests had the highest degradation rate, and mixed forests had the largest degradation area. The total forest carbon release was 18.5 million tons with an annual rate of 0.45%. Mixed forests released the largest amount of carbon, and evergreen needleleaf forests had the highest carbon release rate. No carbon sequestration has been found for any type of forest in this study.