YANGON, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar emphasized the importance of local communities' role in protecting wetlands at a ceremony marking World Wetlands Day in Bago region on Monday, the state-owned daily The Mirror reported on Tuesday.
At the event, held at Moeyungyi Wetland Wildlife Sanctuary, Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation U Min Thu said that recognizing and collaborating with local communities will help conserve wetlands while preserving traditional culture, the report said.
He added that public involvement in wetland conservation can help achieve climate and biodiversity goals while securing the livelihoods of people who depend on these ecosystems.
The deputy minister also said that awareness programs can also help younger generations understand the benefits and values of wetlands and encourage their active participation in conservation efforts, the report said.
Under the theme "Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage," the event was attended by government officials, professors, teachers and students, company associations, and invited guests. Winners of the World Wetlands Day painting competition and the Myanmar traditional rowing competition were also announced during the ceremony. ■