Myanmar collaborates with ASEAN for biodiversity conservation

Heads of the Forest Department of Myanmar made a four-day tour to Gunung Leuser National Park-GLNP in Sumatra, Medan of Indonesia, starting from 24 June. The excursion intends to ensure the sustainability of biodiversity and nature-based tourism industry development, and the country also cooperates with the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity – ACB in conserving biodiversity.
The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity – ACB launched ACB-SGP projects providing funds for the sustainability of biodiversity and practical uses for ASEAN Heritage Parks in Indonesia, Viet Nam and Myanmar, and the Myanmar delegation achieved a chance to make the tour with the assistance of ACB.
Aim
The main intention of the visit is to raise awareness among the ASEAN countries about the biodiversity and ecosystem richness of ASEAN Heritage Parks in Myanmar and to exchange views on the management system of Indonesia’s ASEAN Heritage Park, rule of law and effective use of Smart technology, application of proposal for ASEAN Heritage Park between Myanmar and Indonesia, drawbacks and advantages of sustainable conservation activities.
Benefits
The visit also grabbed advantages such as observing biodiversity in the world’s largest rainforest in northern Sumatra, research conducted with UDIK, establishment of forest land, cooperation with national park staff and regional administrative organizations to conduct education programmes and sustainable nature-based tourism industry development, job opportunities for local women and youths under ACP-SGP and vigorous participation in conservation despite of huge rely on national parks. Moreover, the officials discussed law enforcement activities, the resident-based natural tourism industry, the establishment of organic farming, public forest land, and the empowerment of women near the vicinity of sanctuaries.
Conservation
Gunung Leuser National Park-GLNP ASEAN Heritage Park spans over one million hectares of tropical rainforest and is home to the Sumatran tiger, Sumatran rhino, Sumatran ape, 147 mammals, including elephants and 380 bird species. The Sumatran tiger is the most petite tiger in the world. And there are about 400 Sumatran tigers in the world, whereas 200 tigers inhabit that park. The Sumatran rhino is the smallest species, and there are about 300 in the world, and 35 live in that park. There are over 6,600 Orangutans in that park.
Myanmar hosts eight ASEAN Heritage Sites, and officials cooperate with the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity – ACB. At the same time, Moeyungyi Wetland Wildlife Sanctuary, Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary and Mount Popa have been submitted for listing in ASEAN Heritage Parks. — Nyein Thu (MNA)/KTZH