Karenni State Interim Executive Council
Directive No. (21 / 2024)

14 November 2024

Directive to Ensure Public Compliance Regarding Forest Burning within Karenni State

1. During the dry season in Karenni State, forest fires caused by careless burning, hunting, or slash-and-burn shifting cultivation for agriculture occur every year, resulting in smoke haze and air pollution. Due to the burning, the destruction of forests and trees that local communities rely on has led to the loss of wildlife habitats, reduced biodiversity, and damaged ecosystems as consequences. Particularly in the summer of 2024, air pollution and toxic smoke were noticeably prevalent, seriously affecting climate change and the health of local people.

2. Therefore, the people and citizens of Karenni State from all townships are directed to comply with the following points:

(a) Citizens shall not burn the forest unnecessarily;

(b) Without permission from the Township Administrative Council/Committee, burning for shifting cultivation, hunting, or any unwarranted forest burning is prohibited. If found, effective punishment action will be taken under the existing Forest Law. For traditional shifting cultivation, if land clearance by burning is required, firebreaks must be created first, and permission must be obtained by submitting the approval to the relevant Township Administrative Council/Committee.

(c) Shell cooperate in fire prevention and safety measures to protect residents and IDP camps from careless fire incidents;

(d) To prevent dangerous fires caused by careless shifting cultivation burning or forest burning, village tract administrations, village administrations, and township administrations are directed to issue local orders and directives, conduct awareness-raising activities, and encourage public participation.

Khu Oo Reh

Karenni State Interim Executive Council

Ref. No.: 176 / IEC (Dept-DoHA) / 2024
Date: 14 November 2024

Department of Home Affairs

Distribution Copy to

– Office of the Supreme Council