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.
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