The slow pace of rebuilding livelihoods in the cyclone-hit Irrawaddy delta is taking a serious toll on the region's mangrove forests, as growing numbers of people turn to collecting firewood as their job of last resort, say environmental groups. This job doesn't require any investment. All you need is a machete, so those who can't find any other way to earn money do this to make ends meet. Farming and fishing are the main occupations in the region, but both industries are still reeling from the effects of Nargis. Coastal areas with thick mangrove forests have become open expanses within days or months, said one environmental activist. But villagers say they will die of starvation if they can't cut down the trees for sale.
The cyclone destroyed the mangrove forest. Then, after the cyclone, people increased their cutting of trees. Very few areas have been replanted—and the government has provided very little support. According to official statistics, there are about 450,000 hectares of mangrove forest in Burma, of which more than 38,000 hectares in Irrawaddy and Rangoon divisions were destroyed by Cyclone Nargis.