Statement given by Prime Minister at the
9th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment
(17.12.2003)

I am pleased and happy to inaugurate the 9th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment and to extend a warm welcome to all delegates. We in Myanmar consider it a privilege and honour to host this AMME meeting in our country.

Environmental protection is an imperative of our times. The world today is faced with numerous and diverse environmental problems. It is therefore encouraging to note that ASEAN countries have committed themselves to protect and promote the environment. Our countries, realizing that economic development cannot be sustained without protecting the environment, have established environmental protection agencies and ministries. We took these measures even before the historic 1992 Earth Summit. Our countries displayed strong political will to pursue sustainable development path by formulating and implementing national development strategies. Concrete actions have also been taken to realize development goals.

ASEAN Vision 2020 and the Hanoi Plan of Action provide the basic framework for promoting sustainable development in the region. I am happy to note that ASEAN countries are making significant progress in the implementation of environment strategies contained in the Hanoi Plan of Action.

In this regard, I wish to acknowledge the important role played by the ASEAN Secretariat. Similarly the UN and other international organizations and Non-Governmental Organizations have also extended valuable support to us. ASEAN can be justifiably proud that the state of the environment of the region is comparatively better than most of the regions of the world. Forest cover in the ASEAN region exceeds 48 per cent as compared to the world's average of below 30 per cent. Three ASEAN countries figure among the world's 17 mega biodiversity countries. The region contains 35 per cent of the world's mangrove forests and 30 per cent of the world's coral reefs.

The majority of ASEAN population still depends on natural resources for their livelihood. It is therefore vitally important that these resources are managed and used in a sustainable manner. ASEAN countries are fully aware that of the prime causes of environmental degradation is poverty. Poverty eradication is therefore an important challenge that ASEAN must address.

Myanmar is making sustained efforts to conserve its rich natural resources and environment. In 1997 the National Commission for Environmental Affairs developed and adopted a development strategy. Sustainable management of land, forest, agriculture, mineral, marine and fresh water resources has been promoted in keeping with the strategy. Sectoral laws relating to environmental protection have also been enacted and environmental considerations are increasingly being integrated into the sectoral development plans and programmes.

Myanmar is also party to many international environmental conventions and has strictly adhered to its international obligations. Over 70 per cent of Myanmar's population live in rural areas. In order to improve the quality of life of the rural people, including those living in the remote border areas, integrated rural development programmes are being implemented. In addition to promoting education, health, transport and communication, these programmes also address land degradation, deforestation, availability of water for agricultural purposes as well safe drinking water and rural poverty. As a result of these endeavours, the environmental situation remains stable. Forest cover in Myanmar amounts to more than 51 per cent of the total land area. We are committed to bring economic development and higher standard of living for our people. But we are also committed to protecting our environment.

One of the most successful environmental projects carried out by the Government is the "Greening Project". The project was initiated in 1993-1994 as a pilot project for greening 9 critical districts in the arid areas of central Myanmar. Afforestation, reforestation, water supply, agricultural extension and income generating activities were carried out under the project. As the project has proved to be a success, the scope of the project has been extended to include 4 more districts. I am happy to learn that some of you will be going to Bagan and Popa region later in the week. The trip will afford you not only with an opportunity to observe our ancient cultural heritage but also the success of the greening project. Just as ASEAN countries are making efforts to successfully implement national development strategies, they are actively involved in addressing global environmental problems. The task is Herculean and no country acting alone can overcome it.

There is need for close cooperation and collaboration among member countries as well as sustained support from international organizations. In this respect, ASEAN environmental forums are useful as they provide a platform for member countries and donors to discuss ways and means for achieving sustainable development.

The 9th AMME will provide an opportunity for ASEAN member countries to renew and strengthen their resolve to protect the environment and implement sustainable strategies.
You have before you a comprehensive and important agenda. I am confident that with your experience, you will be able to achieve results that will have positive impacts on the environment of our region. To conclude, I would like to wish you every success and a pleasant and fruitful stay in Myanmar.

Thank you.