ABSTRACT
Myanmar is the second largest country in South-East Asia. It borders five nations – Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and Thailand – with over 2,800 km of coastline. Rich in natural resources, Myanmar has the potential for economic growth as it attracts foreign investments. From the late 1940s to late 1960s, Myanmar was a leading regional economy and a major exporter of rice in the world market. Forest Resources Environment Development and Conservation Association (FREDA) is also involved in a mangrove reforestation project in the Ayeyarwady Delta where natural mangrove forests were depleted due to encroachment by rice farmers. FREDA's objectives are to promote participation and partnership in sustainable forest management, natural environment conservation, wildlife protection, grass-roots-level community development, human resource development, disaster risk reduction, sustainable land use and responsible eco-tourism. Proximity Design is one of the largest non-profit social enterprises operating in Myanmar, working to help reduce poverty for rural families in a sustainable and effective way.
