Mangrove Ecosystems: The 1st Symposium On Utilization Of Mangrove Ecosystems Held

The opening ceremony of "The First Symposium on Utilization of Myanmar Mangrove Ecosystems for Human Wellbeing, Biodiversity Increase and Coastal Protection” was held in Yangon University on Thursday.

The two day event was organized by Myanmar Sustainable Aquaculture Programme (MYSAP) and supported by Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, Yangon University, European Union and GIZ. It was the first scientific symposium brought the key stakeholders including government, experts, private sector, CSO and local farmers on the subject of Mangrove Friendly Aquaculture in Myanmar. It was aimed to give knowledge on the ways for the sustainable protection and utilization of mangrove ecosystem and wellbeing of people.

Deputy Head of Cooperation, European Union, Pedro Campo Llopis said “This portion is a part of the larger program. The program that is funding 22 million euros which is about 25 million dollars… It is the scientific parts of the program to support for the collaboration of the University of Yangon to teach the students have for bachelor degree in factor of fisheries. So, this is a part of that work but it much go beyond in private sector with the Myanmar Fishery Association and helping farmers to increase their proactivity through sustainable practices. It is important to remind everybody that Myanmar fishery has a lot of potential through the sustainable project.”

Over 25 local and international academic researchers, experts and scientists will present and discuss about the management of Myanmar's Mangrove forests, coastal ecosystem, crucial for coastal protection and shrimp production.There would be the case studies of mangrove areas in Kyauktan township that the existing shrimp farmers played the role of mangrove area protectors.

Professor, University of Yangon (Fisheries and Aquaculture), Dr. Kay Lwin Tun said “Mostly in fishery management, mangroves are protected and conserved by law but we have to look back for human wellbeing. So, we will protect the mangrove forests and we also use it for human wellbeing. It is not only for ecosystem but also the benefits of people. So, the symposium is the first to approach about the techniques how to increase biodiversity such as shrimp production and then the coastal protection by using mangrove ecosystems.”

There are around 12,000 trap and hold shrimp farm registered at the Department of Fisheries. However, most of the farms were damaged by the natural disasters and some of them are not still functional and under threat. The utilization of mangrove ecosystem can protect the biodiversity and coastal areas.