UN'S $485M WAR ON OPIUM STARTS HERE

ADELAIDE-BASED Institute for International Development has presented a
strategy to the United Nations to eliminate opium poppy growing in Myanmar.

Mr John Leake, the chief executive officer of IID, presented the $US300
million ($485 million) plan in May after securing a commission from the UN.

The strategy is set to become a key component of the UN's international
drug control program that aims to eliminate the cultivation of opium
poppies - and reduce the use of illicit drugs worldwide.

Mr Leake said it was "highly significant" that a South Australian firm had
been asked to prepare the 10-year strategy.

It could have spin-offs for local firms if IID wins work managing the
project, which involves the construction of roads, hospitals and schools.

"South Australian industry is now in a prime position to tender and win
work on the multiplicity of projects that are encompassed in the plan for
Myanmar (Burma)," he said.

The strategy aims to induce and assist communities that farm opium crops to
switch to growing legal produce.

And according to Mr Leake, for that to be successful, there needs to be a
new way of life for those who rely on income from opium poppy farming to
survive. The key elements of the project are:

ENSURING peace in the region.

COMMUNITY involvement in seeking new ways of living without the production
of drugs.

EFFECTIVE international co-operation.

REALISTIC income generating opportunities and health and education
opportunities.

EFFECTIVE, decentralised and flexible management to implement change.

Mr Leake said similar alternative development programs had helped to reduce
opium and coca production in countries such as Thailand, Peru and Colombia.

"The UN Drug Control Program is a co-ordinated action plan - and that
consists of approaching the drug problem in each of the important
production areas of the world," he said.

IID, an unlisted public company, is based in Adelaide, with offices in
Canberra, Sydney, the Philippines and Nepal.

As well as consulting and managing projects for international agencies, it
sponsors development research.

Checked-by: Mike Gogulski