Abstract
This study aims to consider the possibilities of local development through a tree planting eco-tour (TPET) and a role of International NGOs in Myanmar. TPET has merits for local development: donation, education, and any other help which the local people really need. It functions as a gateway to local development. However, TPET still has problems on implementation: costs, profit sharing, local incentives, procuring of site, project sustainability and so on. To solve the problems, NGO's multifaceted cooperation is indispensable as well as long and medium-term vision and strategy. On the other hand, tourists are getting to know the reality of Myanmar at the local level through eco-tours. Various types of eco-tours led by International NGOs can be a new opportunity to make the actual circumstances in Myanmar known outside and to expand the grass-roots support for the locals. Therefore, ecotourism is one of the effective ways to make progress toward democracy as an international cooperation.
