59 participants from the relevant MFF National Coordinating Body (NCB) members, representatives from Marine Science Departments of Pathein, Mawlamyine and Myeik Universities, National and International experts INGOs (WCS, FFI,) and NGOs, AIT-ICM alumni, and representatives from medias had attended to the workshop.

The objective of the workshop  was to support Integrated Costal Management capacity development in Myanmar by developing a framework/ outline for an national ICM training course and identifying the training materials and other support required to teach and sustain an ICM national course.

ICM is an adaptive, multi-sectoral governance approach, which strives to implement balanced development, usage and protection of coastal environments.

At present a formal national ICM program does not exist in Myanmar, although the need is clearly articulated. Education and awareness is fundamental for each and every sector.

At the opening ceremony of the workshop, Dr. Nyi Nyi Kyaw, Director General of the Forest Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation (MONREC) and Ms. Maeve Nightingale, Capacity Development Manager of MFF delivered opening remarks.

Technical Expert U Tint Tun from Marine Science Association Myanmar presented with the title of “Introduction to Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) and why it is an important approach for Myanmar.” Then, Ms. Maeve Nightingale presented by the title “Introduction to the Regional AIT-ICM courses” and the title “ICM courses in Marine Science Departments” was presented by representatives from Marine Science Departments of Pathein, Mawlamyine and Myeik Universities, and then participants were being inter-discussed.

Others representatives and International experts (Dr. Duk Hyun, Chief Consultant from Aqua-Int Consulting Ltd. Korea) were presented and discussed by their each title.

The workshop continued the discussion on Day 2, conducted a group discussion with the title of “Strategy/road map for moving forward to develop a national ICM course(s) in Myanmar Report,” and gave the related feedback. In summary, U Bo Ni, Director of the Watershed Management Department and Ms. Maeve Nightingale facilitated the discussion of 2 days overall analyzed, and the workshop was successfully closed by Dr. Nan Mya Han.