This discussion paper captures the panel’s reflections on Myanmar’s current state of gender considerations and the policy environment in the forestry sector and, based on lessons learned, offers recommendations to improve mainstreaming gender strategies in REDD+ planning and implementation in the country.

For effective management of all forested land including the PFE and public forests, the Ministry of Environmental Conservation
and Forestry (MoECAF) has developed various laws and policies,
however the researchers believe these policies and laws have largely failed to address gender concerns; such as participatory benefit-sharing mechanisms among different stakeholders.

The REDD+ Roadmap6 (UN-REDD, 2013) recognized the significance of engaging ethnic minority women as key stakeholders, which was done during the consultation process while drafting the REDD+ Roadmap (UN-REDD, 2013) and safeguards operational plans.

The researchers suggest that following those standards set out at the international level would be beneficial for Myanmar.