Myanmar to open environmental, economic research institute

Myanmar will open an environmental and economic research institute later this month in a bid to develop country's economic sector without decaying environment, a local weekly reported Thursday. Sponsored by the Keio University and Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) of Thailand, the institute will be run in Yadanarpon cyber city near Pyin Oo Lwin, the Pyi Myanmar said. The institute will mainly conduct research on environmental policy management, natural resource management, agro-business, agro-economic and soil chemical analysis. Myanmar has adopted policies on environmental conservation since 1994 along with programs not to sacrifice the environment in implementing nation-building tasks. Besides, the government is working in cooperation with the international community as well as with the eight working groups of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in conserving environment. Myanmar's forest coverage declined from 61 percent in 1975 to 59 percent in 1989, to 52 percent in 1998 and to 47 percent in 2010. Moreover, Myanmar is also implementing afforestation plan yearly around the region for sustainable development of the woodland. Meanwhile, environment-related local Myanmar and international organizations are discussing on designation of more wetlands in Myanmar. Moeyungyi Wetlands in Bago region, Indawgyi lake in Kachin state and Inlay lake in Shan state are known as precious wetlands in the country.