Myanmar (Burma) is located in Southeast Asia, bordered by India and Bangladesh to the northwest, China to the north and northeast, Laos and Thailand to the east and southeast and Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal to the south and southwest. The country has some unique geographic features:
- Mountain ranges: The Himalayas and the Arakan Mountains run along Myanmar's western border, while the Shan Plateau dominates the eastern part of the country.
- Rivers: The Irrawaddy River, Salween River, and Sittaung River are major waterways that support agriculture and transportation.
- Coastline: Myanmar has a long coastline along the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal, with many islands and beaches.
Myanmar has two significantly distinct climate: 1) Tropical climate: Myanmar has a tropical climate with three main seasons: hot, rainy, and cool and 2) Monsoon: The country experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, which can cause flooding and landslides. Myanmar's diverse geography and climate support a wide range of ecosystems, from tropical forests to coral reefs, and provide a foundation for the country's economy and culture. Some of the notable natural resources:
- Rich mineral deposits: Myanmar is known for its deposits of jade, rubies, sapphires, and other precious stones.
- Timber: The country's forests are home to valuable timber species like teak.
- Fisheries: Myanmar's coastal waters are rich in fish and other marine resources.
Furthermore, Myanmar possesses significant untapped marine potential, particularly within the "Blue Economy" sector, which includes opportunities in fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, renewable energy, and marine biotechnology. The country's extensive coastline and diverse marine ecosystems offer substantial economic and environmental benefits. To calculate the percentage of Myanmar's marine area to its land area, we'll need to define what we mean by “marine area.” Let’s consider two possibilities:
- Territorial waters: Myanmar's territorial sea area isn't directly provided, but we know its total water area is approximately 23,070 km².
- Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): Myanmar's EEZ covers about 532,775 km² (205,706 mi²).
Additionally, Myanmar's land area is approximately 653,508 km². Now, let's calculate the percentages, keep in mind that these calculations provide different perspectives on Myanmar's marine area relative to its land area, depending on whether we consider territorial waters or the broader EEZ.
- Water area percentage: (23,070 km² / 653,508 km²) * 100 ≈53%
- EEZ percentage: (532,775 km² / 653,508 km²) * 100 ≈5%
Additionally, these are the key areas of untapped potential:
- Fisheries: While already a major contributor to the economy, improved fisheries management could significantly increase production and generate additional income.
- Aquaculture: Myanmar has substantial potential for aquaculture, particularly in coastal areas and reservoirs, but requires better regulations, research, and infrastructure.
- Tourism: The country's coastal regions offer opportunities for tourism, including diving, snorkeling, and beach resorts, but development needs to be sustainable.
- Renewable Energy: Offshore wind and wave energy offer promising alternatives to fossil fuels, potentially contributing to energy security and reducing reliance on imports.
- Marine Biotechnology: Research and development in areas like marine pharmaceuticals and aquaculture nutrition could lead to innovative products and services.
- Coastal Economy: The Ayeyarwaddy River Delta, a vital part of Myanmar's economy, provides opportunities for sustainable agriculture, fishing, and related industries.
Overall, Myanmar's marine resources offer a pathway to economic growth and diversification, but sustainable management, investment in infrastructure, and addressing political and environmental challenges are crucial for realizing this potential. What are the challenges and opportunities:
- Political Instability: Political instability and conflicts can hinder economic development, including in the marine sector.
- Environmental Concerns: Overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction threaten the health and sustainability of marine ecosystems.
- Infrastructure: Lack of adequate ports, infrastructure, and supporting services can limit the growth of the marine sector.
- Capacity Building: Developing skills and knowledge in areas like marine science, fisheries management, and aquaculture is crucial for realizing the full potential of the Blue Economy.
