With about 500,000 hectares as of 2019, Myanmar has the second largest area of mangroves and one of the highest mangrove species richness in the Indian Ocean, after Indonesia. However, mangroves are severely threatened by habitat loss in Myanmar.

The crux of the impact on human health

Myanmar retains some of the largest remaining areas of contiguous rainforest in Southeast Asia, hosting some of the most vulnerable species. However, deforestation rates are one of the highest in the world.

Mercury is highly toxic. It can result in serious environmental impacts and public health if released into the environment. Mercury spills from mining activities have resulted in major fish kills, contaminated drinking water and harmed agricultural lands.