Publication

This paper analyzes the impact of democratization on forest governance in the Asia Pacific region, with a particular focus on Myanmar. Looking at Indonesia and Cambodia's experience, the author argues that there is no significant relationship between a country’s transition toward democracy and better forestry governance; and that Myanmar’s transition is unlikely to counter this trend. He further contends that international organizations must pay close attention to deforestation and engage with various actors in Myanmar. A failure to do so could lead to future conflicts in already volatile cease-fire areas.