UNREDD National Programme launched in Nay Pyi Taw
Myanmar started its implementation of Myanmar REDD+ Readiness Roadmap through collaborative support from three UN agencies (UNDP, FAO and UNEP). A series of technical working groups meetings and technical trainings were organized to support in strengthening of the national capacity in designing and setting of National Forest Monitoring System (NFMS) and Forest Reference Emission Levels (FRELs); ensuring effective engagement of all stakeholders; and comprehensive understanding on drivers of deforestation and forest degradation as building block for national REDD+ strategy. Myanmar REDD+ initiatives have been designed in close collaboration and consultation with both government and non-government stakeholders; and now the national programme is in its way to continuously support for effective and efficient implementation of REDD+ under UNFCCC.
The Launching Ceremony of UNREDD National Programme was held in Thingaha Hotel, Nay Pyi Taw on 27th January, 2017. The National Programme is aimed at the country to participate in an international policy initiative in mitigation of climate change through avoiding deforestation and forest degradation. A total of 90 participants from relevant line agencies, Parliament, INGOs/NGOs representatives, CSOs representatives and researchers attended.
The Ceremony was officially opened by Union Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, H.E U Ohn Winn with his honorable remark stating that “We are very much aware of the climate change impacts and its consequences on rural communities and importance of climate resilience, water resource development and food security to reduce these impacts. But the potential for the mitigation of climate change through reducing deforestation and forest degradation is comparatively high”. The key notes speeches were followed by Mr. Peter Bachelor, Country Director of UNDP, and Ms. Xiaojie Fan, FAO Representative in Myanmar.
Afterwards, Union Minister, ministry officials, UN officials and CSO representatives posed for documentary photos and toured for exhibited posters and displays in relevant to the programme.
In the afternoon session, Dr. Thaung Naing Oo, Director of Forest Research Institute, explained on overall national programme, and added the state of advance of UNREDD Programme in Myanmar by Mr. Franz Arnold, Technical Advisor of UNREDD Programme Myanmar. The session was followed by Questions and Answers, and successfully concluded at 12:00 pm.