Myanmar News Articles: Cartoonists Dig Into Natural Resource Governance

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RANGOON — A three-day cartoon exhibition focusing on natural resource governance in Burma opened on Friday at the River Ayeyarwaddy gallery in downtown Rangoon.

The exhibition, titled "For Who?," showcases 60 works from 20 well-known Burmese cartoonists including Shwe Min Thar, Mg Mg Aung, Awe Pi Kyal (APK), Maung Maung Fountain and ATH.

"We organized this exhibition because we would like to highlight that although the country is rich in natural resources, people are still poor and also, although many development projects are here, locals haven't gained any development from them," said cartoonist Lailone from (Spectrum) (Sustainable Development Knowledge Network), which organized the exhibition.

"So, who is profiting?"

Cartoonist Awe Pi Kyal (APK) said that each of the featured cartoonists contributed three cartoons to the show, with his works exploring the interplay of resources, Burma's peace process and foreign countries seeking to exploit the natural bounty.

"For the exhibition, it made us draw more about natural resources and it would be better if it spreads among the public," he said.

Cartoonist Moe Htet Moe said that his three drawings were primarily inspired by deforestation.

"The [exhibition] title is broad. It covered not only the trees, petroleum and others, but also included living resources: human [resources]," he said. "For people born here or who grew up here, we want to highlight whether they have the right to enjoy the benefits of the natural resources or not, and where have all of these [resources] gone and for whom? So I like this exhibition and drew to expose it."

One of his works features an axe-wielding lumberjack, looking puzzled after felling a tree to reveal "Made in China" branding on its trunk.

The River Ayeyarwaddy gallery is located at No. 134, 35th Street (middle block). The exhibition runs through Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm.

Additional reporting by Tin Htet Paing.