"Since the ruling State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) took power by military coup on September 18, 1988, the regime has intensified use of Burma?s natural resources. Desperately needing hard currency to sustain its military and engage in political and armed "annihilation" of various insurgent groups, the regime began exploiting the country?s natural resources imprudently, and at an alarming rate. Since 1962 the Burmese economy had been centralized. However, beginning in 1989, SPDC adopted an open economic policy. The declaration of "Open Door" policies in early 1989 attracted foreign investment. The flood of foreign investment into various sectors of the economy brought concern for environmental issues..."