The 12th WEPA Annual Meeting

Country Updates- Recent Developments in Water
Environmental Management
Ms. Khon Ra
Director, Hydrology Branch
Irrigation and Water Utilization Management Department
MyanmarHanoi, Vietnam

30 November 2016

Content
1. Policy Direction to promote water related SDGs
2. Laws/ Regulations/ Standards
3. Accidents or issues on Water Resources andEnvironmental Management that drew publicattention

1. Policy Direction to promote water related SDGs
What we have done so far regarding SDGs
• 17 Goals, 169 Targets, More than 242 indicators• Monitoring and Evaluation : To be undertaken by Central
Statistical Organization , Ministry of Planning and Finance .
• Statistical Readiness: Ministry of Planning and Financeassessed Myanmar’s data availability for the measurementof SDG indicators.
• Work under progress to produce Myanmar’s First SDGs
Data assessment report in 2016.

SDG Data Assessment: Summary report
We show that the National Statistical System of Myanmar has
some work ahead of it in terms of preparing for themonitoring of the SDG indicators. Only 44 of the SDG
indicators are currently produced and readily available atthe National Level. However, The good news is that many(98) of the missing indicators can be computed fromexisting data sources-often with little effort- and don’t
require any additional data collection. We conclude that
Myanmar is in a decent position to start monitoring the SDGs,
and should start as soon as possible in putting its existing data
to full use for the SDGs.

Nearly 50 %44- Readily Available
77- With a little effort, it can be computed fromexisting data sources
21- With more effort
Source : Dr. Wah Wah Maung (DG, Central Statistical Organization)

How different strategies will support the SDGs?
National Environmental Policy

National Waste
Management
Strategy andAction Plan

National
climate change
strategy andAction Plan
Green Economy
PolicyFramework

SDGs
Source : U Hla Maung Thein (DG, Environmental Conservation Department)

Goal 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere
Integrating poverty alleviation and environmental policy in Myanmar can ensure that natural
resources are used to provide benefits and sustainable livelihoods for local communities toprovide. Sustainable development requires that economic poverty not be replaced by environmental
poverty. Development should provide real and tangible benefits for all people in Myanmar.
National Environmental Policy Principles 1 & 8Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainableagriculture
Sustainable agriculture, including the limitation in the use of chemicals and pesticides, should bepromoted to provide food and improve nutrition for all Myanmar people and to promote the exportof high quality and high value agriculture products. Food and nutrition security includes foodsafety and the protection of consumer rights.
National Environmental Policy Principle 1
Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
A healthy environment, free of pollution and contamination, with clean air and drinkablewater and healthy soils, will help create healthy lives and healthy children and seniors.
National Environmental Policy Principles 1 & 22
Source : U Hla Maung Thein (DG, Environmental Conservation Department)

Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote life-long learning
opportunities for all
Effective environmental education can promote understandings of the importance of the environment
and the need to take care of Myanmar’s precious resources, thus supporting shifts towards sustainable
development and environmental protection. Environmental education in universities should bepromoted to create opportunities for employment in the expanding environmental sector.
National Environmental Policy Principle 14
Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Environmental policies, the environmental impact assessment process and all natural resources
decisions must include the views and concerns, and take account of the needs, of women and girls.
National Environmental Policy Principle 13
Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
The provision of clean water to all Myanmar communities for drinking and cooking is a priority
for sustainable development. Decisions concerning the management of water and water
resources, including hydropower development, will ensure sustainable, equitable and fair accessto basic water and sanitation needs.
National Environmental Policy Principles 1, 7 & 10
Source : U Hla Maung Thein (DG, Environmental Conservation Department)

Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all
To provide clean and affordable energy, priority and support will be given to renewable andsustainable energy sources. This will also require the adoption of new technology and distributed
approaches to provide energy to villages and towns, including the use of smart-grids and mini-grids.
National Environmental Policy Principles 7 & 11
Goal 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive
employment and decent work for all
The pursuit of sustainable development and environmental protection provides opportunities forsafe and productive employment in the expanding renewable energy and environmental sectors.
National Environmental Policy Principles 8 & 14
Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization andfoster innovation
The integration of climate change considerations into infrastructure development is a vital
component to ensure the safety and protect the value of these assets. The promotion of sustainableproduction and extended producer responsibility will be used to promote innovation in production
and a sustainable development of an industrial base for Myanmar.
National Environmental Policy Principle 7, 10, 11 & 12
Source : U Hla Maung Thein (DG, Environmental Conservation Department)

Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries
Local benefits are to be promoted from development projects to ensure that sustainable
development brings specific benefits to local communities and people. Development should also
bring economic benefits to sub-national governments and administrations, as well as theUnion government.
National Environmental Policy Principles 6 & 8Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Cities are a major contributor to resources depletion and environmental impacts. It must be apriority to developing plans for promoting sustainable cities, – including housing for all, efficientand affordable public transport, energy efficiency, clean drinking water, effective solid andliquid waste management, protection of built and cultural heritage and green building codes andpolicies -will be prioritized.
National Environmental Policy Principles 2, 7, 10 & 11

Source : U Hla Maung Thein (DG, Environmental Conservation Department)

Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
The promotion of sustainable production and extended producer responsibility will be used topromote innovation in production and sustainable development of an industrial base for
Myanmar. Ensuring that economic valuations take full account of environmental and social
costs and benefits, as well as the application of the polluter pays principle and the use of green
financial mechanisms, can encourage sustainable production and consumption.
National Environmental Policy Principles 9 & 17
Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
The creation of emergency management plans and disaster management risk reduction andemergency management strategies and plans are important to protect the future of Myanmar.
Community and environmental resilience is a critical feature of all development planning.
Decisions around Myanmar’s future energy sources and land uses will consider greenhouse gas
emissions and implications for climate change mitigation.
National Environmental Policy Principle 4, 7 & 11

Source : U Hla Maung Thein (DG, Environmental Conservation Department)

Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable
development
Ensuring that while the environmental values of protection of Myanmar’s complex marine, coastal
and reef ecosystems (including the Myeik Archipelago) require further scientific study, theseecosystems should be given strong conservation priority in accordance with the precautionary
principle, including in through the creation of marine protected areas (including the Myiek
Archipelago). Protection coastal zones and Avoiding and reducing pollution from land-basedsources and from oil and gas development, as well as the and promotion of sustainable tourism
and eco-tourism, will be important for. controlling pollution and other environmental impacts.
National Environmental Policy Principles 3, 4, 5, 7 & 10
Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably
manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation andhalt biodiversity loss
The aim of sustainable development in Myanmar should be to both ensure the protection of theexisting environment and to identify areas that should require be restoration and rehabilitation.
Further development in the mining and agricultural sectors should include a priority to restore andrehabilitate impacted areas. Protection of Myanmar’s significant biodiversity areas and resources
is should be a prime focus for sustainable development.
National Environmental Policy Principles 3, 4, 5, 7, 10 & 12
Source : U Hla Maung Thein (DG, Environmental Conservation Department)

Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access tojustice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
The central role of Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Conservation in the protection of theenvironment, and in particular in the Environmental Impact Assessment process, is to be strengthened andsupported. At the same time, enhanced coordination and cooperation across all government agencies isrequired to mainstream environmental considerations into all policy development and planning
processes. Sustainable development also requires access to information to affected communities for natural
resources decisions and access to effective remedies. Strengthening the role of the Courts to deal withenvironmental crimes and to provide opportunities for reviewing decisions on natural resources are both
important to protect the environment and to promote better environmental decisions at all levels.
National Environmental Policy Principles 6, 15 & 16

Goal 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership forsustainable development
There should be Myanmar will continue to strengthen its a strong engagement at ASEAN an international
level, particularly through ASEAN, on promoting sustainable development and integration environmental
protection in decision-making. Creation of an a Appropriate mechanisms to assist in Trans-boundary EIA andto discuss address trans-boundary environmental issues in the region need to be developed. At the same time,
pursuing sustainable development also requires ensuring that strong national environmental consideration is
given before new international treaties and agreements are signed.
National Environmental Policy Principles 15 & 18
Source : U Hla Maung Thein (DG, Environmental Conservation Department)

Myanmar Climate Change Strategy and Action
Plan 2016-2030 and contributions to SDGs
MCCSAP Sectorial
Outcomes:

3. Good
health7.
Renewableenergy2. No
hunger

1. Smart Agriculture,
Livestock andFishery for Food
Security

12.
Responsible
consumption1. No
poverty

MCCSAP
2016‐
2030

2. Healthy Eco-systems
5. Healthy Climate
Resilient Society
6. Smart Society(education andtechno)11.
Sustainable
cities andcommunities

15. Life onland

14. Life
below water

13. Protect
the planet
6. Cleanwater andsanitation

Source : U Hla Maung Thein(DG, Environmental Conservation Department)

3. Sustainable
Energy,TransportandIndustry

4. Resilient
Cities andTowns

National Waste Management Strategy and Action
Plan and its contributions to the SDGs
• Promote waste
minimization,
reuse, recycling
and recovery

3. Good
health

6. Cleanwater andsanitation

15. Life on
land

NVMSAP
11.
Sustainable
cities andcommunities

14. Life
below water• Capacity
development,
awarenessraising andadvocacy

13. Protect
the planet

12.
Responsible
consumption• Ensure sustainablebudgeting andsound financial
management of thewaste sector• Compliance,
monitoring,
enforcement
andrecognition• Ensure the effective
and efficient deliveryof waste services

Source : U Hla Maung Thein (DG, Environmental Conservation Department)

Green Economy Policy Framework andits contributions to the SDGs
3. Good
healthGoal 6.
Cleanwater andsanitation

7.
Renewableenergy• Stimulate green
investments fromthe private sector

11.
Sustainabl
e citiesandcommunities

2. No
hunger• Manage impacts
from browninvestments

GEPF
12.
Responsibl
econsumpti
on

1. No
poverty• Ensuring
sustainablefinancing for the
public sector

15. Life onland

13. Protect
the planet
14. Life
below
water

• Fostering humancapital – withingovernment andcreating jobs

Source : U Hla Maung Thein (DG, Environmental Conservation Department)Key strategic principles for theEnvironmental Safeguards (NCDP 2015)• Managing the environment and natural resources, such as land,
forests, water and coastal ecosystems in a sustainable manner,• Promoting sustainable and transparent investments in oil and gas
production, mineral extraction, hydro-power, infrastructure andagriculture in ways that sustain the resource base and benefit the local
and national population as a whole;• Reducing environmental health risks from air and water pollution
with improved access to energy, water and sanitation;• Reducing vulnerability to climate change related disasters andimpacts(NCDP 2015 = National Comprehensive Development Plan 2015)
Source : U Hla Maung Thein (DG, Environmental Conservation Department)

2. Laws/ Regulations/ Standardsa)Newly Developedb)

Ongoing Development

a) Newly Developed
 Environmental Policy,1994
 Environmental Conservation Law, 2012
 Environmental Conservation Rules, 2014 National Water Policy of Myanmar, 2014
 Environmental Impact Assessment Procedure, 2015
 Environmental Quality (Emissions) Guidelines, 2015
 Myanmar Climate-Smart Agriculture Strategy, 2015

b) Ongoing Development
 National Environmental Policy and Strategy Framework Myanmar Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan National Waste Management Strategy and Action Plan for

Myanmar Green Economy Policy Framework Master Plan for Hazardous Waste Management
 National Environmental Quality Standard- Fresh Water and Marine Water Quality Standard

National Environmental Policy and Strategy Framework (Draft)
Vision: Economic development, social inclusion and environmental
conservation come together in a new paradigm for sustainable development

Mission: Committed to leading integration of Environmental perspectives into
socio-economic policies, laws, regulations, plans, across sectors

Policy Goals: To contribute to the SD of Myanmar
through improved environmental GovernanceObjectives: To integrate environmental perspectives into all relevant sectorial policy
through the implementation of a mainstreaming mechanism- protect Myanmar’s important ecosystems, natural resources, and natural andcultural heritage, and ensure clean living environments- provide a framework for pursuing sustainable development
lay the foundations for improved environmental governance in Myanmar

Source : U Hla Maung Thein (DG, Environmental Conservation Department)

National Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan
Strategic Vision, Purpose and Guiding Principles
Strategic Vision• to develop Myanmar as a nation that is resilient to the impacts ofclimate change and is able to harness the benefits of low carbon
development for present and future generations in an inclusive manger.
Overall Purpose• aims to direct the government and its development partners, private
sector entities, civil society and households to invest in a climate
resilient and low carbon development pathway to secure inclusive
and sustainable development.

Source : U Hla Maung Thein (DG, Environmental Conservation Department)

National Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan
Guiding principles:• Inclusive development: Direct action to deliver inclusive development outcomes. It will
support climate vulnerable, poor marginalised and less powerful groups and regions to shapeand benefit from the opportunities provided by the Strategy;• Resource efficient development: Drive action to deliver resource efficient development. It will
incentivise investment in a green economy, where growth can be achieved with minimal
environmental harm and carbon emissions;• Integrated development: Facilitate integrated development planning. It will direct government,
development partners, civil society, private sector entities and communities to align, harmoniseand coordinate policies and programmes to support the overall objectives of the Strategy;
and; and• Results based development: Support results based development. The Strategy is based ontheory of change model. It outlines a vision for a climate resilient and inclusive nation that isable to address climate risks and harness the benefits of low carbon development.

Source : U Hla Maung Thein (DG, Environmental Conservation Department)

National Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan
Goal and Objectives
Goal
Myanmar achieved climate resilient development and pursued a low-carbon development
pathway by 2030 to support inclusive and sustainable development.

Objectives• To increase the adaptive capacity of vulnerable communities and sectors so that they
are resilient to the adverse impacts of climate change, and• To create and maximise use of opportunities for potential sectors to pursue a low
carbon development pathway by ensuring development benefits to communities andall economic sectors.

Source : U Hla Maung Thein (DG, Environmental Conservation Department)

National Waste Management Strategy and Action Plan
(NWMSAP)
Vision Statement•

In light of vision statements outlined both in the National Sustainable Development Strategy (NSDS, 2009) andthe National Environmental Policy and Strategy Framework (Draft, 2015), the vision “Sustainable, Green,
Clean and Healthy Environment towards a Brighter Future for Myanmar” was identified as a common
vision for the NWMS.

Mission:• To develop and implement the holistic/ integrated waste management strategy based on principles ofinclusiveness, zero waste and circular economy to achieve a greener, cleaner and healthier environment
in Myanmar.
Objectives of the NWMSAP:
Goal A: Promotewaste
minimization,
reuse, recycling
and recovery toestablish aresource circularsociety

Goal B: Ensure theeffective andefficient deliveryof waste services

Goal C: Ensuresustainablebudgeting andsound financial
management of
the waste sector

Goal D:
Compliance,
monitoring,
enforcement andrecognition

Goal E: Capacity
development,
awareness raisingand advocacy

Source : U Hla Maung Thein (DG, Environmental Conservation Department)

Overview: Green Economy Policy Framework (GEPF)

Why Develop a Strategy?

• Focused on the opportunities and challenges related to investments• Investment should follow the following principles: sustainable, inclusive andefficient• GEPF aligned with SDGs
• Will support monitoring of progress towards the SDGs
• Leverage and support implementation of the NCDP, climate change strategy,
INDC and other strategies and policies• Objectives of the GEPF:
Stimulate green
investmentsfrom the private
sectorManageimpacts frombrown
investments

Ensuring
sustainablefinancing forthe public
sectorFosteringhuman capital –withingovernment andcreating jobs

Source : U Hla Maung Thein (DG, Environmental Conservation Department)3. Accidents or issues on Water Resources andEnvironmental Managementthat drew public attention
 Flood issue in dams/embankments
 Flood issue in other area Current issue of water pollution

Flood issue in Dams
The event of severe flood occurred in Minmyin dam on (18.7.2015) due toheavy rainfall but dam body was not much damaged. Dam site rainfall
was 10.66 inches while Kanbalu rainfall was 7.83 inches.

Flood issue in Dams
The event of severe flood also occurred in Mone dam on (31.7.2015) due
to Cyclone Komen. Full Tank level = 520 ft, Dam Crest level = 560 ft,
Max: WL = 555.8 ft, Spill Vol; for (7) days is 2.5 time of F.T.C

Flood issue in Embankment

Nyaungdone Town (Max. Water Level in 2015 = 25.80 ft)

Nyaungdone Town (Max. Water Level in 2016 = 26.40 ft)

Flood Issue in other Area

Landslide Dam in Kale Township5.6.2016

Current Issue of Water Pollution
I
II
III
IV
V

• Arsenic contamination in groundwater• Salt water intrusion ( Saline frontline)• High sodium content in groundwater• Industrial wastewater pollution• Changed black color in the Chindwin
River waterSr

State /
Region

Total
Tsps.

TestedTsps.

BlanketTsps.

Selected
Tsps.

Total
Sample1.

Ayeyarwady

26

17

13

4

123,962

2.

Bago

28

13

5

8

82,644

3.

Sagaing

37

7

1

6

8,611

4.

Mandalay

27

9

4

5

21,257

5.

Rakhine

17

1

1

6.

Kachin

19

5

5

1,598

7

Shan

43

4

4

2,854

8.

Mon

10

4

4

2,054

9.

Magway

25

1

1

522

10.

Yangon

44

3

3

4,078

11.

Tanintharyi

10

2

2

1,000

Union Total

286

66

42

253,81224

5,232

Source : Irrigation and Water Utilization Management Department (IWUMD)

Saline Front Line (2012-2016)

Source : Hydrology Branch(IWUMD)

Farmer complained due to high Na++ content in Butalin townshipWastewater Pollution Problem inTaung Tha Man Inn near Mandalay City
Causes(1) Discharging wastewater from Industries without any
treatment(2) Discharging wastewater from households in the urban areas(3) Low limit Dissolved Oxygen(4) Weather Changes

Source : Dr. Tin Aung Win ( Environmental Conservation Department)

Photos of Wastewater Pollution in Taung Tha Man Inn (2015)

Source : Dr. Tin Aung Win (Environmental Conservation Department)

Finding the starting place for changing black colour wateralong the Chindwin River(29 Sept. 2016) Myanma Alin Newspaper:Caused by landslide area near the Nansalein Chaung,

Due to high graphite content,

As precaution: can use river water, but not suitable for drinking purpose.