Report Warns of Kyaukpyu Devastation

Plans to build a special economic zone near Kyaukphyu on Ramree Island in Arakan State will endanger the health of thousands of people and destroy Burma’s second largest mangrove forest, according to a new report by Arakan Oil Watch. The report, titled “Danger Zone,” says that around 40 villages will be adversely affected by the project, which will use 120 sq km of pristine coastline for petrochemical plants related to a Chinese-owned pipeline that extends from Kyaukphyu to China. The China National Petroleum Company is the majority shareholder in the project.