December 15
The Coastal Resources Management Central Committee held its fourth meeting in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday.
Speaking at the meeting, State Administration Council Member Deputy Prime Minister Union Minister for Transport and Communications General Mya Tun Oo, in his capacity as Chairman of the central committee, said that the central committee has drafted the Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) as per the assigned duties, and also highlighted the establishment of Myanmar coast guard, finalization of Marine Pollution Control Law, designation of no-fishing zones in certain areas that are rich in ecosystem and biodiversity and cooperation of departments concerned in reserved forests and protected public forests.
He also elaborated that Myanmar has a 2,800-kilometre-long coastal line and the potential for fishing and extracting offshore oil and natural gas, developing international ports, and creating an exclusive economic zone and renewable energy. The country also boasts unspoiled beaches and islands, so such possessions can benefit the tourism industry and conservation of ethnic people living in coastal regions.
Despite such opportunities to develop the country, it should need to solve the significant decline in biodiversity, coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass and fishery resources, food security and vocations.
As the country experienced Nargis in 2008 and Mocha on 14 May 2023, the preventative measures are being taken effectively in case of storms.
He then talked about the Blue Economy, “ASEAN Leader’s Declaration on Blue Economy”, released in 2021 and the draft of “ASEAN Blue Economy Framework”.
He also urged all those present meeting attendees to work together in drafting balanced policies and procedures to conserve the coastal and marine ecosystems without focusing on the business-related opportunities in implementing the policies and procedures for the Blue Economy sector.
Then, the secretary of the central committee, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation briefed the committee on the accomplishment of assignments and tasks. The General gave a supplementary advice and attended to the needs of the Union ministers, region and state chief ministers and officials, the deputy chief of staff (Navy), permanent secretaries, and directors-general, and made a concluding remark. — MNA/KTZH
