MYANMAR

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barriers to equity with men and women. Furthermore, women participate in development
programmes at managerial or policy making levels. Major areas for promoting women's role
in development are maternal and child health, social welfare, literacy and.income generation
programmes.
61. The transition from a centrally planned economy to a market oriented economy will
definitely accelerate the rate of urbanization. However, the shift in the economic system
coupled with the government's efforts to promote trade in remote border areas, the
governments emphasis on agricultural development and establishment of agrobased
industries, and efforts to extend higher education and health facilities to secondary cities and
major urban areas indicate that the country is heading towards a more balanced regional
development. On the other hand, exploitation of non-renewable resources needs to be
controlled so as to prevent environmental degradation caused by human settlement.
62. The Governmentts new effort on balanced population distribution and regional
development is the introduction of development programmes for underdeveloped areas near
the border where the tribal people reside. The government established health, education,
transport and communication, electricity supply facilities in 14 underdeveloped regions of
Myanmar. Agriculture, livestock and income generation activities are also promoted in these
areas. Improving social and economic conditions of the ethnic people prevent uneven
population distribution and environmental degradation.
63. Population research is conducted by institutions and organizations from Education,
Home Affairs, Health and Labour Ministries. Population research provides information for
policy analysis and development, planning and operational aspects of population
programmes. Although research activities are in progress, there are some areas which need
improvement. Technical cooperation and coordination of research activities, dissemination of
research findings and securing funds for research need to be improved.
64. Myanmar, like many other developing countries, faces environmental problems
arising from population growth and slash and burn practice of cultivation by people. Major
environmental problems encountered are deforestation and loss of biologiäal resources.
Shifting cultivation and excessive collection of fuel-wood cause deforestation. Some
biological resources have dwindled considerably because of human exploitationand loss of
habitat. To prevent environmental degradation, measures to conserve environment have been
in practice since 1856 under the rule of King Mindon. The King introduced the systematic
forest management and biological conservation by allowing teak extraction on'y under Royal
Permission and establishing sanctuaries. Successive governments followed the rule
established by King Mindon and used selective falling system in teak extraction. At present,
the government has formed the National Commission for Environmental Affairs (NCEA) to