The second coordination meeting of Myanmar-China Central Level Work Committee for joint-protection of forest fire was organized in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday.
First, Union Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation U Khin Maung Yi, in his capacity as Chairman of the working committee, said Myanmar is striving for reducing fire hotspot and haze pollution after being a member on the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP) in 2003. The five facts agreed with China at the first meeting are being implemented by cooperating with relevant region/state departments. The matters related to prevention of forest fire along Myanmar-China border area, formation of joint task force for extinguishing forest fire and recuse works and procedures to prevent forest fire should be discussed, he added.
Then, Vice-Chairman (1) of the working committee Union Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation U Min Naung discussed the damages of crops and soil in wildfire, educating programmes to eradicate the slash and burn method and also for farmers residing along Myanmar-China border, technical and machinery assistance to recycle the agricultural waste and plans to promote agriculture and livestock breeding.
Moreover, Vice-Chairman (2) Union Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Dr Soe Win emphasized to draft plans for preventive measures and reducing damages due to forest fire, providing assistance to disaster victims including outbreak of fire and cooperation work with relevant departments and organizations to conduct public awareness programmes, preparations and rehabilitation.
The meeting adopted decisions regarding the formation of the joint work committee and designate the contact person for effectively implementation of extinguishing forest fire and rescue works along Myanmar-China border, collaboration for capacity building in fire prevention and technical training, increasing surveying and controlling the transboundary haze pollution and the points to be added to the responsibilities of the work committee. — MNA/KTZH
