Yangon, Myanmar – April 2, 2026 — The University of Forestry and Environmental Science (UFES), Myanmar, officially launched the project “Human Resource Development in Environmental Conservation and Forestry Education and Research in Myanmar”, supported by the Mekong–Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF) under Call 8.
The project aims to strengthen UFES’s institutional and human resource capacities in environmental conservation and sustainable forestry education and research. With implementation planned from April 2026 to March 2028, it places strong emphasis on community engagement—empowering local communities to restore and sustainably manage teak and mangrove ecosystems while enhancing livelihoods.
The launch event, held in Yangon, brought together project partners, academic institutions, and representatives of the MKCF Secretariat. Serving as the Fund Manager, Mekong Institute (MI) plays a central role in overseeing MKCF implementation, ensuring project quality, and supporting partners to deliver impactful and sustainable results across the Mekong region.
In her opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Ma Hwan-ok of the OJEong Resilience Institute, Korea University, highlighted the importance of strengthening academic partnerships and advancing sustainable forestry practices across the Mekong region.
Presenting the project, Prof. Dr. Khin Maung Sint, Rector of UFES, outlined key components including capacity-building programs, regional knowledge exchange, and the establishment of pilot demonstration sites. These interventions are designed to enhance technical expertise, promote applied research, and support community-based ecosystem management.
A key feature of the project is the establishment of demonstration sites in Myanmar and Thailand, translating research into practical application. In Myanmar, pilot sites will be developed in teak-bearing forests in Naypyitaw and Shan State, while in Thailand, activities will take place in Thung Praya Sub-district, Sanam Chai Khet District, Chachoengsao Province. These sites will serve as hands-on learning platforms for sustainable forest management and ecosystem restoration.
During the session, Mr. Madhurjya Kumar Dutta, Director of MKCF, provided strategic and technical guidance to further strengthen the project’s design and implementation and emphasized the importance of refining project objectives to ensure practical, measurable outcomes and long-term sustainability. He also highlighted the value of leveraging regional expertise and fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration, including engagement with the private sector.
In addition to field implementation, the project will contribute to developing a new generation of forestry professionals through targeted training and academic collaboration, while equipping local communities with the knowledge and tools needed to improve environmental outcomes and livelihoods.
