Myanmar Environmental Project

The Myanmar Environmental Project (MEP) is an EC funded project (2009-2010) with the main objective to support biodiversity resources conservation in a sustainable development framework. The project is implemented by an Italy based international non-profit, non-governmental organization, ISTITUTO OIKOS. Myanmar non-profit, non-governmetnal organizations, BANCA and MSAM are local partners. I was an Executive Committee member of BANCA and I worked as local project manager from Myanmar side.

Myanmar has one of the richest biodiversity in Asia with many endemic species. Deforestation, biodiversity loss and development issues can be effectively addressed through coordinated programmes at different levels, from data collection, awareness raising and grassroots engagement of communities in sustainable use of natural resources.

The project, through a capacity building process and exchange of information, experience and best practices, aims at contributing to ensure the sustainable management of forest resources and protected areas while conserving wildlife and wild plants and enhancing the ways of living of indegenous people.

Local stakeholders working in and around important forestlands and protected areas are involved in planning and implementation of the activities and, through a participatory process, in the identification of innovative stakeholder-based conservation and development initiatives to integrate biodiversity conservation in management practices.

Myeik Archipelago Biodiversity Research Programme (MABR) is a component of the project. It is mainly focused on Lampi Island Marine National Park, one of the last remaining untouched environment of true wilderness left in the Myeik Archipelago. Lampi is situated on the Myeik Archipelago and it is the one and only marine national park of Myanmar. It is also one of the ASEAN Heritage Parks in Myanmar.

Please also visit Myaik Archipelago