Panel discussion held to mark 10th Nevsky International Ecological Congress

The 10th Nevsky International Ecological Congress is being hosted by the Russian Federation on 25 and 26 May in the hybrid format.
Union Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation U Khin Maung Yi, together with ministers, deputy ministers, mayors and representatives from 21 countries and organizations attended the round table discussion on “Water is the main source of the future” at the congress held yesterday evening.
In the discussion, the Union minister said that Myanmar is a country rich in water resources, owning 12 per cent of Asia’s freshwater resources and 16 per cent of ASEAN’s freshwater resources.
Today, due to climate change, various countries are facing environmental damage and water problems, he stated.
To deal with these challenges, Myanmar is establishing a national water policy, national environmental policy, and climate change policy.
For environmental protection and comprehensive water resource management, the National Water Resources Committee and the National Environmental Protection Committee are formed.
To preserve water resources, the conservation of natural springs, water sources and wetlands is promoted.
Plastic pollution affects biodiversity in rivers and oceans, and a national plastic action plan is drawn up to reduce marine plastic waste, he commented.
He said that international cooperation will be promoted in the implementation of Myanmar’s comprehensive water resource management processes.
Next, delegates discussed issues related to water and water resources management and water quality and treatment improvement as a basis of economy and logistics, and financing and awareness of water ecosystems related to coastal tourism and water resource utilization. — MNA/KZL