Background Story

Myanmar is endowed with one of the richest eco-systems and natural resources in South-East Asia, from which people depend for their livelihoods, social, economic and spiritual well-being.

However, degradation of the environment, especially through deforestation, is rapidly affecting the natural capital of the Country, and therefore people depending on it. In addition, Myanmar is one of the most exposed countries to the negative effects of climate change. Observed changes in the las six decades already resulted in agricultural productivity, increased frequency and intensity of floods, cyclons and droughts, and included human cost and economic losses. Unfortunately, these changes are projected to continue, the Monsoon season will continue to shrink, and more destructive heavy rais, strong storms and cyclones, will affect the Country, while swa-levle rise will provoke inundatoins and salinization.

The Goethe-Institut Myanmar together with the Myanmar Climate Change Alliance implemented by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and other like-minded partners have taken the initiative to organize an international film festival, creating more awareness for the signs and the reasons of climate change and environmental degradation.