Coastal Resources Management: State-Level Central Committee holds fifth meeting

The State-Level Coastal Resources Management Central Committee held its fifth meeting at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation in Nay Pyi Taw on Monday afternoon. It was attended by the Central Committee Chairman Member of the State Administration Council, Deputy Prime Minister, and Union Minister for Transport and Communications, General Mya Tun Oo.

Speaking at the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the global issue of overexploitation, noting that 30 percent of the world's fish resources have already been depleted. He pointed out that coastal areas, in particular, have suffered from excessive exploitation, leading to a significant decline in fish stocks.

Additionally, the Deputy Prime Minister underscored the threat of seawater pollution, pointing out that approximately 80 percent of marine debris comes from terrestrial sources, mainly plastic materials and abandoned fishing nets.

Moreover, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that seawater pollution has severely impacted marine ecosystems, posing threats to sustainable fishery practices, food security, marine biodiversity, human health, and socio-economic development.

He added that waste accumulation is causing the death and destruction of fish and marine creatures in addition to the damage of coastal and marine resources like mangroves, coral reefs, sea-grasses, estuaries and sandy beaches.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the environmental impacts of oil spills in coastal areas and noise pollution generated by amplified sound wave transmitters on offshore oil and natural gas exploration vessels. These factors not only impair the feeding and essential behaviors of rare marine mammal species such as whales but also contribute to mortality among marine invertebrates.

According to the 2020 report from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), 25 percent of marine mammals, 27 percent of seabirds, and 27 percent of coral reefs are at risk of extinction. To achieve the country's sustainable development goals and ensure the long-term sustainability of natural resources, it's crucial to implement strategic plans that effectively address challenges related to sea pollution and climate change. And, a documentary video clip featuring coastal conservation was played.

Subsequently, Secretary of the Central Committee and members presented reports on the committee's work processes, state-level Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) programs, and implementation of national coastal resource management plans, as well as sector-specific future plans.

The Chairman of the Central Committee then coordinated the requirements. And, the Central Committee Chairman the Deputy Prime Minister gave a closing speech and the meeting was concluded.