User:Maung Aye Chan/sandbox

Forest Research Institute (FRI), Myanmar is the one and only institution in Myanmar which conducts researches related to forestry and forest management. FRI is a government organization and a branch of Forest Department (FD) under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation. The FRI was established in Yezin, (Pyinmana), Zayathiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw in 1978. But forestry research started as early as in 1914 in Myanmar and a research division was formed in 1922 as  part of the Forest Department. In 1952, a Forest Research and Training Circle was set up, which is the forerunner to the present FRI. The main objective of FRI is to provide technical information on all aspects of forestry and forest–based activities to increase the contributions of the forest and forest lands to the well-being of the nation. The FRI has prioritized the research programmes on sustainable forest management in natural teak forests, development of forest plantations, biodiversity conservation (mainly focus on flora of Myanmar), analysis of water quality and soil properties, tissue culture and biotechnology, reforestation/afforestation in the central Dry Zone, efficient utilization of timber, development of the non-timber forest products and fuelwood resources development, wood energy conservation measures, development of social forestry and agroforestry research activities. There are three divisions under the FRI, namely; the Forest Development Divisions, the Wood Utilization Division, and the Administration and Finance Division. There are 67 researchers in the three divisions under FRI. Each division has its own structure and major research functions. The Forest Development Division takes responsibility for technological development in sustainable forest management including soil and water conservation, in-situ and ex-situ genetic conservation and forest protection. The Wood Utilization Division mainly concentrates on investigation of physical and mechanical properties of Myanmar timber species and the utilization potential of these species. In addition, properties and sustainable utilization prospects of non-timber forest products (NTFPs), with special emphasis on bamboo, rattan and medicinal plants, are examined as priority to enhance household economy and national economy, as well as providing technical information. Administration and Finance Division conducts community forestry, agroforestry research and rural development research in addition to financial and administrative work. There are ten research stations established in different agro-ecological zones of the country. Up to date, about 268 research papers have been presented at annual research congress, published and disseminated.