The world is changing rapidly and the global rubber industry is no exception. To build a better future for Myanmar's rubber industry, WWF-Myanmar and Myanmar Rubber Planters and Processors Association (MRPPA) held a workshop bringing together stakeholders to make sustainable rubber production a reality.
"By producing rubber sustainably and responsibly, there is an opportunity to make Myanmar rubber more attractive and protect its natural capital – creating a win-win situation," said Christy Williams, Country Director,WWF-Myanmar, “This will require stakeholders to work together, build trust and partnership to achieve this common goal.”
Over 100 representatives from rubber planters, processors, tyre manufacturer, traders, government ministries, embassies and international organisations participated in the workshop.
The Department of Agriculture of Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation addressed the participants on a new policy aimed at stopping the horizontal expansion of rubber in Myanmar and focusing on vertical integration, including improving yield and quality and more added value to the country.
China is the main buyer for Myanmar's rubber and representatives from the China Chamber of Commerce of Metals Minerals and Chemicals Importers and Exporters (CCCMC) joined the workshop. They explained why it is important for China to source sustainable rubber from developing countries and that CCCMC is developing guidelines for Chinese companies investing overseas in key sectors including rubber. The guidelines include key components such as Zero Deforestation, HCVF protection and addressing social issues.
"We understand that changing to vertical expansion instead of horizontal expansion is good for both rubber planters and the environment," said Dr. Yu Sein, Chairperson of Tanintharyi Region Rubber Planters and Producers Association. “However eighty percent of Myanmar rubber planters are small holders and cannot do vertical expansion unless they get financial investment and technical support.”
"Global tyre manufacturers are adopting policies to source rubber from sustainable suppliers," said U Hla Myint, Advisor for Myanmar Rubber Planters and Producers Association. “It's time for us to decide to change to sustainable rubber planting. If we change it will benefit not only the planters but also the environment. If we don’t change, we will lose customers especially giant manufacturers like Michelin and Bridgestone.”
The workshop included a two-hour group discussion on how stakeholders can come together to turn current challenges into opportunities. Land governance, improving livelihoods of rubber farmers and cleaner supply chains were seen as the key challenges to producing sustainable natural rubber in Myanmar but working together these can be overcome.
