Nay Pyi Taw – The Government of Myanmar today announced its vision for the country’s environmental protection and climate action, launching two new policies that will guide Myanmar’s environmental management and climate change strategy. Myanmar is widely considered one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to the impacts of climate change, and its renowned biodiversity and natural resources are under increasing pressure as the country develops. More intense and more frequent floods, cyclones and droughts have caused immense loss of life and damage to infrastructure and the economy. President U Win Myint announced the two new policies – the National Environmental Policy and the Myanmar Climate Change Policy – at an event marking World Environment Day in the capital. More than 400 attended the announcement, including senior government officials from Union ministries, states and regions and representatives from civil society, academic institutions, businesses and the international community, including the acting UN Resident Coordinator and EU Ambassador. Speaking at the launch, President U Win Myint said, “I am greatly honored to launch these policies in this auspicious ceremony. These policies, strategy and master plan have to be implemented effectively in the relevant sectors through short-and long-term development plans and investments, respectively. I have no doubt that we have confidence to achieve sustainable and harmonious development which balances economic, social and environmental pillars. It can be achieved by understanding current promulgated environmental policy and Climate change policy, environmental conservation laws, by-laws, rules and regulations, guidelines in the relevant Ministries, civil society, businesses, technicians, students and people, and also contributing to the development projects, investments and sustainable development activities, based on the technology and experiences with international best practices through reducing greenhouse gas emission and development of air pollution management plan. I would like to urge Myanmar citizens, including all of you, to participate for the current and future sustainable development of our country by changing your daily lifestyles in order to support environmental conservation. And, I also would like to urge you again to beat air pollution as an important part of Myanmar’s sustainable development to benefit our society as a whole.”