A photographic exhibition showcasing the nature of Myanmar's Tanintharyi region took place at Dawei Town Hall on 9 & 10 September. The exhibition, entitled Human. Nature, marked the results of a project to assess the economic and social value of Myanmar's "natural capital"– the first assessment of its kind ever to be completed in the country.
Hosted by WWF, civil society umbrella organisation Dawei Development Association (DDA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, the exhibition included photographs by award-winning photographer Minzayar, unique aerial photographs of the region by Adam Oswell and stunning photographs contributed DDA and CSO TripNet.
"There's a Myanmar saying that people remember their mother only when they get into trouble," said H. E. U Myint Maung, Regional Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation in his opening address. "We need to be aware of how the nature is serving us before we get into trouble and protect nature so that future generations can benefit from it.”
Over the two days the exhibition was visited by government officials including Tainintharyi's Chief Minister H. E. Daw Lei Lei Maw, members of the public, people from Ban Chaung area where the photos were taken, member of the media and local schools.
" It's time to change our habit which adversely affect nature." said Chief Minister H. E. Daw Lei Lei Maw. "We cannot sacrifice nature, which is provides enormous benefits to our people in numerous ways, for short term development goals.”
Boards were put up for visitors to write why nature is important and how we can protect it. Many visitors took this opportunity to express their care for and commitment to nature.
"The nature can live without us but we cannot without the nature. We need to educate people to realize the importance of the natural environment and how we are benefiting from it."
