Myanmar is rich in nature and resources. The Ministry of Forestry has also being promoting ecotourism together with The Ministry of Hotel and Tourism. The elephant is not only of great cultural and historical significance in Myanmar, but is also of major economic importance in the country's timber industry.
      There were 4,075 elephants in timber harvesting operations in the Union of Myanmar in 1999-2000. The elephants of Myanmar are providing an invaluable service to the country not merely by supporting the national economy but, more importantly, by conserving the environment. It is universally accepted that animal skidding is the most environmentally friendly method of logging.       Elephant skidding will continue to play a vital role in the timber operations of Myanma Timber Enterprise (MTE) for the foreseeable future, particularly in the many mountainous and swamp areas of Myanmar's forests.