Due to the growing urban population and increased fishing activity leading to marine waste dumping, local residents report that Tatmadaw (Navy) is working with community members in the Taninthayi Region to systematically dispose of waste and clean up the area to prevent environmental damage.
Coastal countries, including Myanmar, are facing serious threats to humans, animals, and the environment due to urban waste, which leads to water pollution, environmental degradation, and the dumping of waste into rivers, creeks, and oceans. Marine animals are at risk of poisoning and death from consuming this waste, posing a danger to aquatic life and food supplies. In the Taninthayi Region, awareness campaigns and clean-up efforts to prevent waste from entering the sea, rivers, and oceans are also contributing to the development of the tourism sector.
The joint efforts of Tatmadaw and local communities to prevent waste from being dumped into the sea around the resort islands of the Myeik Archipelago are supporting the region’s ecotourism industry, while the clean and beautiful seas are contributing to the future development and sustainability of the marine ecosystem.
“The Myeik Archipelago and the travel islands in Bokpyin Township are often littered with trash. The Environmental Conservation Department of Lampi Marine National Park is responsible for waste cleanup, while Tatmadaw (Navy) and other military units are taking special interest in cleaning the islands and beaches. The joint efforts of the Salon ethnic group, local villagers, and Tatmadaw (Navy) in removing waste are effectively contributing to the environmental conservation of the offshore islands and helping prevent marine pollution,” said U Aung Zin Latt, general manager of Wah Ale Island Resort.
In November, during the winter season, the east wind blows along the coast of the Taninthayi Region, carrying waste including discarded water bottles to the islands of the Myeik Archipelago and Bokpyin District. Tatmadaw, along with local administrative bodies and social organizations are working together to clean up urban beaches to prevent such debris from drifting out to sea. The Environmental Conservation Department has also issued a notice prohibiting the illegal dumping of waste from fishing boats into the ocean.
“This month, garbage tends to drift from Kawthoung to Kyunsu with the east wind. We carry out collective clean-up and burning of the waste that washes ashore each month. In particular, Tatmadaw (Navy) has been working with residents to clean up garbage at ports, which has helped reduce the amount of waste dumped into the sea. The department is also cooperating with residents and social organizations on the islands to remove trash, so it is especially important for fishing boats at sea to follow the established rules,” said U Khin Maung Lwin, the ranger of Lampi Marine National Park.
Nyein Thu (MNA)/TH
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