A gathering of 20 scientists from nine countries has called on the Myanmar government to open a marine geoscience research center with the aim of mitigating natural disasters and harnessing the country’s vast marine resources.
The demand for the research center came at a conference last week titled “Laying the groundwork for Marine Geosciences in Myanmar.” The participants are now working on a final report, which will be submitted to the government within the next three months. The report will highlight the importance of greater public investment into marine geology as a path toward development.
“Upon opening of the Marine Geosciences Research Center, gas extracted from ocean and other minerals can be explored. Further studies concerning earthquakes, tsunamis, and landslides can be carried out. Research relating to marine pollution and underwater measurement can also be done,” said participant Dr. Moe Kyaw, who serves as a research director for the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology.
While a course in marine geology has been included in university curricula in Myanmar with the help of Japanese funding for the last three years, a lack of government investment has precluded any proper practical studies in the field by local researchers.
Khin Zaw, a professor of economic geology at the University of Tasmania, said funding for marine geological research is especially important for countries with wide marine territories, including Myanmar.
“Myanmar’s coastline is about 1,900 kilometers long, and the country possesses rich marine resources. The marine geology of Myanmar will be developed through collaboration with international organizations,” the professor said at the conference.
Sang Mook Lee, an associate professor at Seoul National University, said: “Marine geology is important for global climate change and marine resources. Many hazardous issues are involved in marine geology, so marine geology in Myanmar is not just for Myanmar but for the rest of the world.”
He added: “I think marine geology is a good field for young people in Myanmar to take as a profession for the future.”
