Migration from lowland areas to upland areas in search of forest resources is an important socio-economic and environmental phenomenon in many parts of Asia. People often move towards upland and forest regions because of population pressure, poverty, unemployment, shortage of agricultural land, and the availability of timber, fuelwood, bamboo, medicinal plants, forest foods and other natural resources. Such migration can provide livelihood opportunities, but when it is unplanned or excessive, it may create serious environmental problems. One major effect of migration is increased pressure on forest resources. Migrant communities may clear forests to establish agricultural fields, settlements and grazing areas. Shifting cultivation, commercial farming and collection of fuelwood can accelerate forest degradation. In some upland regions, forests are also cleared for roads, mining, plantations and other infrastructure required to support the growing population. As forest cover declines, the ecological balance of upland areas is disturbed. Migration can also lead to soil erosion and land degradation. Upland areas generally have steep slopes and fragile soils. Removal of vegetation exposes soil to heavy rainfall and surface runoff. Continuous cultivation without adequate soil conservation practices can reduce soil fertility and increase erosion. Landslides may become more frequent where forests are cleared on steep slopes. Sediments carried