Myanmar boasts an extensive coastline stretching 2,800 kilometres, presenting abundant opportunities for both off and inshore fishing, aquatic resource farming, offshore oil and natural gas exploration, exclusive economic zone utilization, and the harnessing of renewable energy. The coastal areas further hold the potential for international ports, acting as strategic hubs for global maritime trade, fostering natural beaches and islands for tourism development, and preserving the rich traditional culture of local ethnic communities.
Despite these promising prospects, Myanmar faces significant challenges, including the degradation of marine diversity, coral reefs, mangrove forests, seagrass, and fishery resources. This, in turn, results in a decline in food security and threatens the livelihoods of local communities. Addressing these issues promptly is imperative.
Myanmar has taken significant strides by finalizing the Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) and the Marine Pollution Control Law, designating non-fishery areas in the sea for the development of fishery deposits, and establishing mangrove forests and protected public forests in various regions and states through collaborative efforts of relevant departments and residents. These initiatives contribute to the accumulation of marine resources and the overall development of coastal areas, benefiting the state’s economy, ensuring food security for the population, and enhancing maritime security for the nation’s prestige.
Over successive eras, the government has enacted laws, bylaws, directives, and procedures to manage marine resources along the coasts. Ongoing efforts involve drafting new laws and policies in alignment with contemporary needs. Simultaneously, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy) office, relevant organizations, and the Myanmar Coast Guard enforce the rule of law in sea and coastal regions.
In line with the United Nations’ 2030 sustainable development goals and the global movement towards a blue economy, Myanmar, along with ASEAN countries, is committed to the responsible development of its coastal and marine sectors. The ASEAN Leader’s Declaration on Blue Economy in 2021 and the ongoing formulation of the ASEAN Blue Economy Framework underscore the focus on coastal science and technology, natural resource conservation, and management.
The emphasis on the blue economic sector goes beyond merely creating economic opportunities; it seeks to establish policies and plans that ensure the conservation and systematic utilization of resources from the coastal and marine ecosystem in a harmonious manner. Collaboration among relevant organizations is crucial for the sustainable management of coastal and marine resources. Additionally, the government has implemented an annual non-fishery period as part of resource conservation.
Myanmar has taken significant strides by finalizing the Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) and the Marine Pollution Control Law, designating non-fishery areas in the sea for the development of fishery deposits, and establishing mangrove forests and protected public forests in various regions and states through collaborative efforts of relevant departments and residents. These initiatives contribute to the accumulation of marine resources and the overall development of coastal areas, benefiting the state’s economy, ensuring food security for the population, and enhancing maritime security for the nation’s prestige.
