Report Says Burma Neglects Environmental Protection

Posted July 25th, 2011 at 7:05 am (UTC-5)
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A new report says Burma lacks any meaningful framework on environmental protection and sustainable development.

The Burma Environmental Working Group says Burmese citizens are not able to take part in decision-making about their country's development.

The 100-page report released Monday says Burma has domestic laws and policies related to protecting people and the environment. But, it says, the country lacks the necessary administrative and legal structures, standards, safeguards and political will to enforce such provisions.

The report criticizes Burma for what it describes as irresponsible construction of large dams, untimely oil and gas extraction, unregulated mining, rampant deforestation and a destructive illegal trade in wildlife.

There was no immediate comment from the Burmese government.