ASEAN conference tackles conservation challenges in Myanmar

ASEAN conference tackles conservation challenges in Myanmar

Published on Wednesday, 09 October 2013 18:38

Administrators from Myanmar's national parks have attended an environmental conference in the Philippines to discuss conservation efforts and how to achieve biodiversity targets.

The ASEAN Heritage Park Conference was held in the Philippines from September 30 to October 4 and aims to address environmental degradation and how to better conserve the natural heritage of the region.

"We have discussed matters on how to achieve international biodiversity targets and identify opportunities for international cooperation," said Tin Mya Soe from Natmataung National Park.

Representatives from Myanmar's Forestry Department and seven administrators from Myanmar's national parks attended the conference.

He added that Myanmar faces many challenges including slash and burn farming, hunting of protected wildlife, illegal logging, little funding for conservation efforts, under resourced staff, as well as weaknesses in the constitution that allow for environmental exploitation.

"Because of the benefits obtained from these kinds of conferences, projects for conservation of environments like Indaw Gyi, and Mainmahla island reserved forest are being carried out," said Tin Mya Soe.

There are 33 recognised ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHP) in Southeast Asia of which seven are in Myanmar. These include Kacarborazi, Indaw Gyi forestry reserve, Inlay Lake forest, Natmataung national park, Alaungdaw Kathapa national park, Mainmahla island forestry reserve and Lanpi National Park.

The AHP conference is held every three years. The first was held in Khao Yai National Park in Thailand in 2004; the second in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia in 2007, and the third in Brunei in 2010.

The ASEAN Declaration on Heritage Parks was agreed and signed by the environment ministers of 10 ASEAN member states in December 2003 in Yangon, Myanmar.

Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2013/10/09/asean-conference-tackles-conservation-challenges-in-myanmar/