Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to have this opportunity to address this auspicious occasion marking the World Environment Day 2001. It may be recalled that the 5th of June has been designated as the World Environment Day and every year, nations around the world celebrate the day expressing their appreciation towards the environment for its crucial role in sustaining life on Earth. Here, in Myanmar, we mark the day with special activities aiming to raise environment consciousness in the country.

Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

This year's theme for the World Environment Day is "Connect with the World Wide Web of Life". Indeed, all forms of life on Earth are interlinked and intertwined in the form of web so that a collapse in one system will impact the other and eventually lead to the collapse of the entire ecosystem. We must realize that we human beings are part of nature and should therefore live in harmony with it. Our planet Earth is very fragile with limited capacity to endure and tolerate environmentally detrimental human actions and pressures. Over exploitation of earth's resources, huge generation of solid wastes, gaseous waters and wastewater are damaging the ecosystems and posing serious threats to the environment. Due mainly to human actions, many valuable species of flora and fauna are fast disappearing; the ozone layer is thinning; forests are depleting; the Earth is steadily warming up and the climate is changing, causing droughts, forest fires, storms and cyclones in many parts of the world. These environmental hazards are endangering the whole web of life on Earth.

Therefore, there are many challenging tasks ahead to address the current environmental issues as well as to prevent further problems from arising. In this regard, international cooperation plays an key role. We appreciate the efforts of the international organizations particularly the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and government for successfully developing many important multilateral environmental conventions. Notwithstanding these developments, the world is still facing many environmental problems that can only be overcome through enhanced cooperation and efforts.

To meet these challenges, all nations, big or small, rich or poor, developed or developing, must join together and work together to make our world a cleaner and safer place to live. In this context, the developing countries need strong support from the developed countries in terms of technical transfer and financial assistance to promote environmentally sound technologies and strengthen environment institutions for implementing environmental programmes. As we all know, in economic development, there is North and South, and in politics there was East and West. But, when it comes to environment, there is no East or West, North or South. We live on the same planet and share the common destiny the Earth is heading.

Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Myanmar has long recognized that environmental resources such as land, forests, water, mineral and marine resources are country's valuable assets which should be conserved and used sustainably. The respect and care for nature is an ingrained habit of Myanmar people and nature conservation has been traditionally practised in the country. At present, there are 30 sanctuaries and four national parks in the country to protect the natural environment as well as to protect and preserve wildlife, fauna and flora. As a developing nation, Myanmar is endeavoring its best to become a modern and developed state. But in our endeavors for progress and prosperity, we have always paid due consideration to environmental factors. As the country industrializes, special attentions devoted to possible environmental impacts. At the same time, many important initiatives have also been taken to promote green and clean environment in the country. For example, in April this year, the National Commission for Environmental Affairs (NCEA) and the Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs (MNCWA) have jointly organized the National Environmental Education Week to promote public awareness of the environment and their participation in environmental conservation activities. Due to these efforts to protect and preserve the environment under the leadership and guidance of the Government and the wholehearted participation of the Government ministries and the people, Myanmar today remains one of the least polluted nations in the world.

Myanmar also fully understands that every nation is responsible to protect the world environment and must cooperate to address the global environmental problems. In this context, Myanmar is sparing no efforts to cooperate with all nations to promote environmental protection and conservation and has participated in many important international environment conventions, regional and sub-regional environment programmes and projects. As a member of ASEAN, Myanmar is actively taking part in all the ASEAN environmental activities and will be hosting the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment in 2003.

At the earth summit in 1992, nations made pledges to cooperate and collaborate to the cause of environmental protection and conservation. The Earth Summit has been an important landmark on the path to global sustainable development. The next Summit to be held in 2002 will provide yet another opportunity for nations to commit themselves to save our planet. On our part, Myanmar looks forwards to actively participating and making meaningful contributions to the coming Summit.

Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

The World Environment Day celebrations provide an opportunity to renew our commitment for a better environment for the entire globe. As such, I am greatly delighted to note that the National Commission for Environmental Affairs, in cooperation with the various ministries concerned, is vigorously implementing the objectives of this year's celebration. Therefore, allow me to conclude by wishing the National Commission every success in its noble endeavours.

Thank you.