Conservation groups will this week hold a 10-day bicycle ride from Yangon to Dawei to increase awareness of environmental issues.
Cyclists will begin the campaign in Yangon on January 25 and expect to arrive in Dawei – the site of a proposed deep seaport and special economic zone – on February 3.
The campaign has been organised by the Green Bike Team with support from Dawei Development Association, Than Pahy Zayat Church, Gaia Sustainable Management Institute, Myanmar Youth for Christ, Gayhahita Environment Youth Network and Buddhist Youth Program (Myanmar).
On the ride cyclists will engage in a number of activities, including distributing pamphlets about the benefits of cycling, conducting talk shows on the impact of industrialisation, holding informal discussions with locals on preserving the environment, encouraging locals to join the cycle campaign and selling campaign T-shirts.
Anyone with a bike who is capable of riding at least 160 kilometres a day is welcome to join the trip, organisers said.
“Fifteen members of Green Bike Team will participate in this campaign. People can also join in along the trip. People who live along the route can join in as we go by,” said Ko Thet Nai.
“Dawei Development Association will support the bike team when it arrives in Dawei. We’re pleased the campaign can help to increase public awareness about special economic projects, including Dawei,” said association member Ko Ye Lin Myint.
