The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) launches a free “registration of intention of an environmentally friendly burial” service today, allowing residents to record their preferred end-of-life arrangements in advance, according to a statement by the bureau on Friday.
The bureau said that it aims to further promote eco-friendly burial options, adding that tree burial has been available since 2015, as well as garden burial since 2023, with over 600 applications received so far.
The statement noted that public acceptance of the alternative burials continues to rise, adding that the new registration mechanism aims to help residents clearly indicate their wishes before passing away.
Residents can visit IAM service locations in person to register, the statement said. After the procedure, the bureau will keep the registrant’s information and issue a registration card.
When the registrant’s family members apply for a death certificate or proceed to the bureau for burial arrangements, the staff will provide the recorded intention to assist them in following the departed’s preference, the statement noted.
Environmentally friendly burial allows ashes to be placed in memorial gardens, where they naturally decompose and return to the earth, the statement said, adding that this fulfils the wish of “returning to the roots” while allowing descendants to remember their loved ones in a peaceful natural environment.
The bureau encourages residents to plan ahead by registering their burial intention and making their preference explicit, the statement said, adding that enquiries can be made on 8294 2651 or the IAM website https://www.iam.gov.mo/.
This poster provided by the Municipal Affairs Bureau on Friday promotes its “registration of intention of environmentally friendly burial” service, starting today.
