Transboundary haze pollution prevention, hotspot control coordinated in Shan State (East)

UNION Minister for Natural Re­sources and Environmental Con­servation U Khin Maung Yi met with departmental officials, local leaders, social organizations, cul­tural groups, local authorities, and residents in Kengtung and Mongphyat townships in Shan State (East) on 24 January to discuss measures to reduce transboundary haze pollution and fire hotspot incidents.

During the meeting at Kengtung Town Hall, the Union Minister highlighted that during the current dry season, forest fires and other burning incidents contribute to fire hotspots and damage the environment. Smoke contains PM 2.5 particles, which are invisible to the naked eye but harmful to human health. The ministry has been taking measures to address these concerns. He emphasized that smoke can travel across borders, so Myanmar collaborates with ASEAN member countries and neighbouring states to control fire hotspots and transboundary haze pollution.

He noted that Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos have joint­ly formulated the Clear Sky Strategy (2024-2030) to mitigate transboundary haze pollution and have been implementing the plan. Similarly, the Myan­mar-Thai Transboundary Haze Pollution Prevention Commit­tee was established to prevent smoke pollution, and relevant activities are ongoing.

Data from the ministry shows that the total number of fire hotspots in Myanmar de­creased from 51,091 in 2024 to 45,025 in 2025, a reduction of 6,066 hotspots (12 per cent). The goal for 2026 is to further reduce fire hotspots by 20 per cent, with eastern Shan State achieving a 30 per cent reduction in 2025. The Union minister called for continued efforts in 2026.

Locals were urged to adopt sustainable practices such as contour or hill-slope farming instead of slash and burn culti­vation, intercropping with fruit and forest trees, using highland farming techniques, and dispos­ing of waste systematically rath­er than burning, while utilizing organic matter to restore soil fertility. Relevant departments and local administrators are encouraged to provide techni­cal guidance and education to support these practices.

The Union minister stressed that protecting natural resourc­es, sustaining a green environ­ment, improving local climate, reducing fire hotspots, and controlling transboundary haze pollution require the joint coop­eration of departments, organi­zations, and local communities.

Also, the Director-Gener­al of the Environmental Con­servation Department and the Director-General of the Forest Department held discussions under the themes “Transbound­ary Haze Pollution Prevention” and “Forest Conservation and Sustainable Rural and Urban Development” respectively. The Union minister concluded the meeting with a summary of key points.

In the afternoon, the Union minister visited the Township Forest Department in Mong­phyat Township and inspected over 113,000 saplings planted in the township’s Myoma nursery. — MNA/KZL