YANGON, July 27 (Xinhua) -- A ceremony to mark the 2024 International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem was held in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on Friday, the state-run Myanma Alinn reported on Saturdaydigdugarcade.

Speaking at the event organized by the Forest Department, Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation U Min Thu said the event aimed to raise public awareness of the significance of mangroves and encourage active participation in their conservation and restorationdigdugarcade.

He added that mangroves provide a variety of environmental services as well as employment opportunities for development. With the increase in population, mangroves are facing destruction, and it is crucial to maintain and develop a balance between mangrove resource conservation and usage, he said.

He also highlighted the importance of public involvement in mangrove restoration efforts, such as community-based mangrove planting, the establishment of mangrove plantations owned by local communities, and the creation of a Green Belt through public participation.

Myanmar has more than 1.1 million acres of mangroves across four coastal regions and two states, making it the seventh-largest mangrove area in the world, the report said.■