The rising global population and booming tourism indus­try have become significant contributors to pollution in beaches and oceanic waters. As a result, many renowned beaches are now facing various forms of pollution. It is crucial for all nations with coastlines to protect the natural resources of their coastal areas and marine ecosystems.

Coastal resources, including coral reefs, mangrove for­ests, and coastal forests, play a vital role in absorbing large volumes of carbon dioxide, thereby mitigating climate change. The degradation and depletion of these resources can exacer­bate climate change and harm the ecosystems of coral reefs, mangrove forests, seagrass, archipelagos, and deltaic regions. This, in turn, threatens the fish and prawn populations and the fisheries industry.

Coral reefs, in particu­lar, are habitats for a diverse array of marine life, housing more than 1,500 different spe­cies. They also play a crucial role in mitigating tsunami waves triggered by strong earthquakes, thus helping to protect coastal areas.

Unfortunately, climate change and harmful fishing practices, such as netting, poisoning, and mine explo­sions, are gradually degrad­ing these valuable coral reefs. A survey conducted three years ago reported that approximately 14 per cent of the world’s coral reefs were destroyed by mine blasts, air pollution, and global warm­ing between 2009 and 2018.

Myanmar is home to significant coral reefs, man­grove forests, and seagrass. However, its mangrove for­ests are rapidly being defor­ested for various reasons. Coastal residents and beachgoers contribute to this problem by disposing of tons of plastic waste into rivers and creeks annually. Additionally, some irresponsible picnickers leave behind plastic products on the beaches, and un­scrupulous individuals illegally harvest and smuggle coral reefs.

These actions violate a universal responsibility towards all living beings and humans globally. Destroying our planet’s natural resources is unacceptable. Instead, it is imperative to protect these invaluable resources. Governments and relevant authorities must take responsibility for safeguarding marine resources. Protecting coral reefs and mangrove forests is essential for food security, socioeconomic development, and natural disaster prevention.

As Myanmar is rich in natural resources along off and onshore coastal areas above water and underwater, everyone must join hands with the local authorities in the protection of marine resources to ensure a sustainable legacy for future generations. Preserving these natural resources is not just a duty but a necessity for the well-being of our planet and the prosperity of future generations.