IN the process of national development, sacrifices are inevitably made to the natural environment. However, as development progresses, excessive exploitation and consumption by humans have led to environmental degradation, the depletion of natural resources, and increasing pollution. When these issues arise, efforts are made not only to promote economic growth but to minimize environmental damage. This includes reducing the extraction and use of natural resources and preventing environmental pollution, placing emphasis on sustainable and environmentally conscious development.
Myanmar’s economy is primarily based on agriculture. Given the country’s current situation, sustainable national development can be achieved through a green economy, which refers to an economic system to significantly reduces environmental degradation and the depletion of natural resources, while at the same time promoting the improvement of the socioeconomic well-being of citizens.
Green economy activities emit low levels of carbon and make efficient use of the country’s resources. Socially, everyone should emphasize broad and inclusive sharing of the benefits that arise from economic development, ensuring no one is left behind. They also promote the reuse and recycling of materials to reduce waste and various forms of environmental pollution.
Forests and trees play a crucial role in the country’s continuous development, ensuring food and water security for the people, promoting socioeconomic progress, and maintaining a clean, pleasant environment and a sound ecosystem. Therefore, the State is increasing investment in green economic development projects. As a result, the country’s natural resources – particularly forests and trees – will be further expanded, contributing to environmental protection as well as generating social, economic, and environmental benefits.
Myanmar is a country rich in natural resources, but it is also highly prone to natural disasters. While the State is working to promote investment in green economic development projects, the country continues to experience the loss of aboveground and underground natural resources, environmental degradation, and pollution due to illegal extraction and sales by armed insurgents and illicit business operators. Furthermore, some legal operators have failed to fulfil their responsibilities, such as replanting forests and restoring the environment in areas where their previous operations have ended.
Currently, when natural disasters are increasingly frequent due to climate change, it is important to promote the development of green economy initiatives in Myanmar. Therefore, both the government and the private sector must make collaborative efforts. Everyone must take part in advancing the green economy, which can lead to long-term sustainable development by reducing environmental degradation and minimizing the extraction of natural resources.
