FOURTH GREEN ECONOMY GREEN GROWTH, GEGG FORUM

Expanding Cooperation & Deepening Integration
For Sustainable Natural Resources, Social & Economic Development

3 & 4 February 2015, Nay Pyi Taw Segment at MICC- 2
Addressing Policy, Strategy, Economics, Financing

5 & 6 February 2015, Mandalay Segment at Mandalay University
Addressing Science, Engineering, Technology, Management with attention on Dry Zones

The second half of 2014 was an eventful period for the Green Economy Green Growth GEGG Myanmar (not for profit) Association.

• It undertook extensive renovations of 2 large buildings and 3.3 acres of prime land in Yangon made available to the Association by the Ministry of Science and Technology and have established the Center of Excellence for Greening, CoE-G, with a number of assets, forming an expanding and unprecedented Symbiotic Greening Facility. In 2015 there will be three more structures added

On 12 November the ASEAN Institute for Green Economy, AIGE was endorsed at the First Plenary Session of the 25th ASEAN Summit of Heads of States / Governments. The AIGE is hosted by and located at the GEGG CoE-G. The AIGE is envisaged to have important ramifications.

The Chairman’s Statement of the 25th ASEAN Summit: “Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community” Nay Pyi Taw, 12 November 2014

“66. We welcomed the launching of the ASEAN Institute for Green Economy (AIGE) in Myanmar to spur collaboration in sustainable development and greening the regional economy. We looked forward to the AIGE to serve as a centre of excellence on Green Economy, being responsive to regional environmental, climate and economic issues, and contributing to building capacity, fostering research, catalysing and facilitating green technologies, improving management practices and promoting national and international cooperation”

• On 2 December, their Majesty King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway visited the GEGG CoE-G. During the State visit to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, their Majesties inaugurated and unveiled the two marble plaques of the CoE-G and AIGE, joined by five Myanmar Union Minsters, Dr U Ko Ko (Minister for Science & Technology); U Wunna Maung Lwin (Minister for Foreign Affairs): U Win Tun (Minister for Environmental Conservation & Forestry); U Zeyar Aung (Minister for Energy); U Than Htay (Minister in Attendance & Minister for Railways & Transport); U Myint Swe (Chief Minister of Yangon Region); U Sein Tin Win (Chairman of the Yangon Region Hluttaw); U Hla Myint (Mayor of Yangon); U Thein Tun (GEGG Chairman); from Norway Ms. Monica Mæland (Minister for Trade & Industry ); Kare Fostervould (Deputy Minister, Ministry of Petroleum and Energy); Lars Anders Kunde (Deputy Minister, Ministry of Climate and Environment); Ambassador Ann Ollestad (Ambassador of Norway to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar); Gry MØLLESKOG (His Majesty The King’s Chief of Staff)
  GEGG Board Members participated actively.
• The GEGG Forums provide policy and strategy inputs and the CoE-G would be a facility for supporting and enabling implementing practices

INTRODUCTION

The GEGG Forums provide a professional and objective process to increase awareness on critical determinants for promoting and accelerating green growth and sustainable development policies & strategies; application of science, technology & management practices for implementation; foster capacity building; catalyze and facilitate cooperation amongst national stakeholders as well as with international partners.

The CoE-G provides a mechanism for hands-on capacity building and implementing practices
The Fourth GEGG Forum, taking into account Myanmar Chairing ASEAN in 2014 and the establishment of the ASEAN Institute for Green Economy, AIGE, that is hosted by and located at the GEGG CoE-G, in Yangon, will build upon the first Three Forums, in particular the Third in 2013 that was Opened by H.E President U Thein Sein and attended by H.E. Vice President Dr Sai Muak Kham and 13 Union Ministers, 105 International speakers and 38 National speakers, with around 400 Participants. There were 3 Eminent Persons Roundtables in Nay Pyi Taw and 12 Parallel Sessions over two days in Yangon at the Diamond Jubilee Hall of Yangon University.

GEGG Forums are organized in collaboration with Ministries of Environmental Conservation & Forestry; National Planning & Economic Development; Science & Technology; Education; Hotels & Tourism ; Culture; Education and supported by international organizations, e.g. UNDP; Norway; Sweden; Japan; Smithsonian Institution; private sector
The Final Reports acknowledges the diverse support received.

The Fourth GEGG Forum is Organized By: GEGG Myanmar (Not for profit) Association.

In Collaboration and Consultation with:

• Ministry of Environmental Conservation & Forestry, Focal Ministry for GEGG Forum
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Ministry of Hotels and Tourism
• Ministry of Science and Technology
• Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development,
• Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Rural Development
• Ministry of Irrigation and Agriculture.
• Ministry of Culture
• Ministry of Education
• Ministry of Energy
• Mandalay Region Government
• Myanmar Engineering Society
• Association of Myanmar Architects
• National Economic and Social Advisory Council, NESAC

Supported by:

• Government of Norway
• Government of Japan
• United Nations Development Programme
• Tun Foundation
• Environmental & Economic Research Institute
• Myanma Computer Company
• Yangon Media Group
• KBZ Group
• KMA Group
• Golden Myanmar Airways
• IBTC ( U Aung Moe Kyaw)

In Partnership with

• UNDP Myanmar Country Office.
• The Smithsonian Institution, USA
• Cornell University, USA
• Georg Washington University, USA
• WWF
• Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, IGES, Hayama, Japan.
• Green Lotus, France / Myanmar
• Stockholm Environment Institute, Stockholm & Bangkok

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TUESDAY, 3rd FEBRUARY 2015, NAY PYI TAW SEGMENT

1.0 OPENING SESSION

09:00 to 10:15

• H.E U Thein Sein, President, Republic of the Union of Myanmar, OPENING ADDRESS
• U Thein Tun, Chairman, Green Economy Green Growth, GEGG Myanmar (not for profit) Association, WELCOME REMARKS

GREETINGS

• H.E Mrs. Ann Ollestad, Ambassador of Norway to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar
• Ms. Renata Lok- Dessallien, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative

10:15 to 10:30 BREAK

SESSION 2.0 Eminent Persons Round Tables

Addressing GEGG 4 Theme of Expanding Cooperation & Deepening Integration for Sustainable Natural Resources, Social & Economic Development

Each speaker will share his / her views on what are the priorities and how to expand and deepen cooperation, taking into the Myanmar and ASEAN context as well as the 12 November 2014 Chairman’s Statement of the 25th. ASEAN Summit on the establishment of the ASEAN Institute for Green Economy, AIGE., which is located at and hosted by GEGG Myanmar (not for profit) Association.

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Session 2.1

10:30 to 12:30 Eminent Persons Round Table Dialogue (Town Hall Format)

• The Hon.Toshiyuki Iwadou, Principal Research Fellow, IGES, Former Director General, International Affairs Dept. House of Representatives, Japan;
• Professor Fengting Li , Deputy Dean Tongji University, Shanghai, China;
• Professor Alexander Travis, Cornell University, Faculty Director, Environment, Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future; Director, Cornell Center for Animal and Public Health, Associate Dean for International Programs, College of Veterinary Medicine
• H.E U Kyaw Tint Swe, GEGG Board Member, Director, Centre for Economic and Social Development, Myanmar Development Research Institute, Former Myanmar Ambassador to UN. New York.
• Thailand
• Chaired by Union Minister

12:30 to 13:30 LUNCH

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Session 2.2

13:30 to 15:30 Eminent Persons Round Table Dialogue (Town Hall Format)

• Ms. Kate Newman, Vice President, Forest and Freshwater Public Sector Initiatives, WWF-US
• Dr, Eric Kemp – Benedict, Director, Stockholm Environment Institute.
• U Tin Htut Oo, GEGG Board member, Chairman , National Commission on Social and Economic Affairs, Office of the President
• H.E Mr. Gautam Mukhopadhaya, Ambassador of India
• Chaired by Union Minister

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Session 2.3

15:30 to 17:30 Eminent Persons Round Table Dialogue (Town Hall Format)

• The Hon. Jean-Marc BRÛLÉ, Member of Parliament of Paris Region, in charge of green economy, Chairman of “GREEN LOTUS” Paris, Myanmar
• Dr. Rene VAN BERKEL, Chief, Cleaner and Sustainable Production Unit, UNIDO, Vienna, Austria
• U Win Khaing, GEGG Board Member, President Myanmar Engineering Society, President ASEAN Engineering Federation
• Prof: Rizaldi Boer, Executive Director, Centre for Climate Risk and Opportunity, Bogor Agriculture University Indonesia
• Ambassador
• Chaired by Union Minister

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WEDNESDAY, 4th FEBRUARY 2015, NAY PYI TAW SEGMENT
Addressing Policies, Strategies, Finance, Economics

3.0 PARALLEL SESSIONS

09:00 to 17:00 Three Parallel Thematic Topics (with Lunch 12:30 to 13:30)

Morning Parallel Sessions 09.00 to 12.30
Afternoon Parallel Sessions 13;00 to 15:00

3.1 GREEN PRODUCTIVITY IMPROVEMENT

Co-Chairs: Prof. Dr. San Win, Pro-Rector, Yezin Forestry University, Myanmar, &
Prof. Alexander J.Travis, Cornell University, NY

• 3.1.1 Morning Parallel Session: Agriculture and Livestock/Fisheries: Scaling Up and Adding Value for Rural Development [Coordinated and organized by Cornell University, NY and Smithsonian Institution, US]

Sustainable development of rural economies and improvement of human well-being is a fundamental problem throughout the world. Using local examples as well as relevant examples from other nations, we will show that Greening of Villages has the potential to be a powerful strategy for Myanmar’s economic development. Tactics and pathways linking improvements in crop and livestock production, addition of value to those products, and access to markets that enable that value to be returned to rural producers will be explored. In addition to improvements in productivity, best practices can improve human nutrition and promote entrepreneurship in ways that also enhance local soil, water and forest quality, helping preserve biodiversity and ecosystem goods and services.

• Prof. Dr. San Win, Pro-Rector, Yezin Forestry University, Myanmar: Introduction to Session (10 minutes + 5 minutes questions)
• Mr. Alexander Travis, Cornell University, Faculty Director, Environment, Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future; Associate Dean for International Programs, College of Veterinary Medicine: Multidisciplinary Approaches to Sustainable Development—Lessons from Around the World of Relevance to Myanmar (10 minutes + 5 minutes questions)
• Mr. Ronnie Coffman, Cornell University, Director of International Programs, Professor of Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences: Sustainable Improvements in Agriculture and Crop Production (10 minutes + 5 minutes questions)
• Ms. Melissa Songer, Smithsonian Institution: Linkages Between Sustainable Development and Biodiversity Conservation (10 minutes + 5 minutes questions)
• U Aung Myo Chit, Program Coordinator, Smithsonian Institution: Marine Protected Areas and Sustainable Fishery Practices in Myanmar (10 minutes + 5 minutes questions)
• Daw Khin Mar Cho, Cornell University Cooperative Extension New York City; Senior Extension Associate; Director of International Programs, International Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Specialist : The Role of Markets in Sustainable Improvement of Productivity and Livelihoods (10 minutes + 5 minutes questions)

BREAK (15 minutes)

• Introduction by Dr. Soe Soe Thein, Pro Rector, University of Agriculture
• Panel Discussion on the Greening of Villages (60 minutes)

Drs. San Win, Alexander Travis, Ronnie Coffman, Melissa Songer, Aung Myo Chit and Khin Mar Cho.

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3.1.2 Afternoon Parallel Session: Moving Forward: Developing Environmentally Sustainable Transport Infrastructure in Myanmar.

Hosted by WWF and Infra Eco Network Europe (IENE)

Increasing accessibility in Myanmar is necessary, but roads and infrastructure are also significant drivers of biodiversity loss and pose threats against the integrity of ecosystem and the benefits they provide. Ecosystems also provide important services by protecting roads from natural hazards such as landslides and flooding. If designed thoughtfully and constructed responsibly, roads can increase mobility for people and commerce while protecting biodiversity and natural capital. As such, the transport infrastructure sector can be an important player in moving the green economy approach in Myanmar forward. Connecting a broader landscape approach with transportation development can ensure transport infrastructure that is safe, efficient and environmentally sustainable.

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Agenda

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3.1.3 Afternoon Parallel Session: “Improvement of Agricultural Productivity for Sustainable Natural Resources, Social & Economic Development: The lessons learnt from the Mekong Region to the Ayeyarwady River Basin” [Coordinated by Dr. Eric Kemp-Benedict, Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI).]

Massive changes in land and water resources are expected in the next two decades in the Ayeyarwady River Basin, the most important river basin of Myanmar. To fulfill increasing demands in the agricultural products for the national and international markets, the government of Myanmar, seventh largest rice producing country in the world has given continuous attention on water resources development across the country by investing large capital, man power and machineries to expand the irrigation since 1988. The irrigated areas have been increased from 0.54 million hectares or 12.5% of sown areas before 1988 to 1.15 million hectares in March 2013 or 15.5% of sown areas in 2012. This has contributed greatly to food production and economic growth in Myanmar but also led to more pressure on natural resources such as land and water as well as the livelihoods that rely on them. Moreover, the productivity of main agricultural crops such as rice yields in Myanmar has been dropped slightly over the last decade.

• How we can improve the agricultural productivity to meet the growing demands and support the economic development while ensuring the environmental and social sustainability?
• How the lessons learnt from the agricultural development and practice in other places such as in the Mekong Region can inform related decisions in the Ayeyarwady River Basin, and vice versa?
• What will be the futures of agricultural sector in the Ayeyarwady River Basin?

To help address above questions, the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) in collaboration with Directorate of Water Resources and Improvement of River Systems (DWIR), Myanmar Environment Institute (MEI) and International Water Management Institute (IWMI) are proposing an interactive parallel session on Improvement of Agricultural Productivity for Sustainable Natural Resources, Social & Economic Development: The lessons learnt from the Mekong River Region to the Ayeyarwady River Basin”.

In addition to listening to several case studies in the Mekong River Basin and in the Ayeyarwady River Basin, all participants will have an opportunity to take part in developing the visions related to transforming the agricultures in the Ayeyarwady River Basin in 2040.

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3.2 GREEN, RESILIENT, SMART BUILT SYSTEMS

Co-Chairs: IGES, Myanmar, U Win Khaing, GEGG Board Member, President, MES.

3.2.1 Morning Parallel Session: Capacity Building for Climate Change Related Financial Mechanisms Coordinated and Organized by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, IGES, Hayama, Japan.

Overall Concept (For Nay Pyi Taw):

• The development of knowledge constitutes the building blocks of the green economy. The growth towards the green come from the integration of knowledge on the broad segments of the economy with policy, technology, and finance in order to produce new and innovative ideas and approaches to transform the current economy and pattern of the growth. It is, in a way, a process of cooperation on the capacity building and the integration of knowledge from others, which will eventually lead to the structural change in the economy.
• The Nay Pyi Taw session will explore the linkage of cooperation and integration in the context of developing low carbon and resilient society. It will start from the key note presentation on Low Carbon Asia Research Network (LoCARNet), which has been active in implementing the sharing of knowledge and experiences accumulated in Asia through the exchange of information and actions among Asian researchers on the role of low carbon policy and mechanisms and/or future international cooperation, toward low carbon, resilient and sustainable development of Myanmar. The session will identify potential sectors and possible projects to be supported by international and regional cooperation with emphasis on the national policy framework and international financial instruments for the enable conditions. It will also features the emerging approach of “City to City” cooperation, taking example of Kitakyushu City.

Nay Pyi Taw PROGRAM (PROPOSED DRAFT) – 4 February 2015

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3.2.2 Morning Parallel Session: “Affordable Renewable Energy & Electricity for Myanmar Rural Areas: Need for Robust Feasibility Studies and Investment Business Plans”

Chaired and Facilitated by Dr. Wah Wah Maung, Deputy Director-General, Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development.

The goal of the three Sessions 3.1.1; 3.2.2; 3.2.3 is to start a process and identify the expeditious steps needed for a multi-stakeholders consortium to develop and implement a robust multi-year programme to pilot test in a rural village innovative, transformative and integrated rural development with five inter-connected components, e.g Clean Energy, Electricity, Storage, Mezzo distribution; Green Productivity Improvements & Scaling up; End-use demand & application, Financing, Investments, Micro Credit; Enabling and Facilitating.

Underpinning this will be the buy-in and full support of all relevant Union Ministries and the Regional Government where the pilot project would be located.

Speakers:

• Mr. Andrew M. Lee, Chief Country Representative, GE Int’l Inc., Myanmar
• U Aung Htun, Managing Director, Myanmar Investment’ International, a London Stock Exchange listed Public Company. “Financing Sustainable SMEs”
• Professor Gregory Poe, Cornell University, US “Ecosystems Valuation, Natural Resources Accounting and Incentive in the context of Conserving Ecosystems”
• Ms. Hanna Helsingen, Senior Green Economy Policy Officer, WWF –Myanmar “Increasing Access to Clean and Affordable Energy in Myanmar”
• Dr. Wah Wah Maung, Deputy Director General, Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development.
• U Kyaw Kyaw Hlaing, GEGG Board Member, Chairman, SMART Group, Myanmar
• Prof: U Ye Htut Aung, Pro Rector, University of Veterinary Sciences Ministry of Fisheries, Livestock and Rural Development “Green Productivity Improvement for Livestock”
• Dr. Than Myint Tun, Lecturer, University of Agriculture, “ Green Productivity Improvement in Breeding Agriculture Crops”

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3.2.3 Afternoon Parallel Session: “Renewable and Resilient Energy, Electricity, Storage & Mezzo Grid for Rural Development”

Speakers

• Mr. Sven Skaug, ELTEK, Norway
• Mr. David Fullbrook, DNV-L, Norway
• Professor Saw Win, Member, Executive Committee M, Renewable Energy Association of Myanmar, Former Rector, Maubin University.
• U Thoung Win, Member of MES, Chairman, Renewable Energy Committee, Managing Director, Myanmar International Consultant Co. Ltd.

3.3 RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE TOURISM: LET THE JOURNEY BEGIN IN MYANMAR. (IN COLLABORATION WITH MINISTRY OF HOTELS AND TOURISM)

Co-Chairs: Vicky Bowman, Director, Myanmar Center for Responsible Business (MCRB); Former UK Ambassador to Myanmar; and George Washington University Institute for Tourism Studies, US)

3.3.1 Morning Parallel Session: Responsible and Sustainable Tourism: Moving Forward and Implementing Master Plan Coordinated and organized by George Washington University institute for tourism Studies, US in collaboration with Ministry of Hotels and Tourism.

In 2013, a seven year Master Plan for Tourism was published by the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism. It provides a comprehensive plan to developing sustainable and responsible tourism in the country. This Session will discuss how the master plan achieves green economy green growth goals and how it promotes private and public sector cooperation. The speakers will share their aspirations for tourism in Myanmar and the challenges and opportunities facing tourism development, specifically as it relates to the social, cultural and natural environments. Experts with experience in other countries will share their lessons learned.

Speakers

• Ms. Midori Paxton, UNDP Regional Technical Advisor Biodiversity & Ecosystems, Bangkok Regional Hub. “What can Tourism Concession do for Sustainable Natural Resources, Social and Economic Development?
• Mr. Paul Eshoo – Ecotourism Advisor, Wildlife Conservation Society, Myanmar Program.
• Daw Su Su Tin, Managing Director, Exotissimo Myanmar
• Thanilini Guna, Officer, Ministry of Hotels and Tourism.
• U Aung Thu, Assistant Director, Human Resource Development, Ministry of Hotels and Tourism
• Richard Naing, CEO, Naing Construction Group

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3.3.2 Afternoon Parallel Session: Social and Cultural Norms
As tourism in Myanmar increases, significant attention will need to be paid to ensure the country is not affected by the negative social and cultural impacts that the industry has brought to some countries. This Session discusses ways to grow culturally respectful and minimizing tourism, without creating “living museums,” ways to welcome higher numbers while preventing overcrowding and ways to ensure that Myanmar people are not exploited in nefarious forms of tourism.

Speakers

• Prof Pierluigi Bozzi, Institute of Life & Earth Science, African Union Pan-African University (PAU), hosted at Ibadan University (Nigeria); Coordinator, International University Network on Cultural and Biological Diversity (IUNCBD), via della Camilluccia 741, 00135 Rome, Italy; Coordinator Research-Teaching Programme, “Cultural and Biological Diversity Policy and Management” Department of Economics – Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of Antananarivo, Madagascar
• Professor Hezri Adnan, Program Director, Technology, Innovation, Environment & Sustainability (TIES), Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia; Distinguished Visiting Professor, Sustainability Research Alliance, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
• Mr. Mahesh Pradhan, UNEP Representative, Chief EC, Environmental Education and Training Unit, Nairobi, Kenya.
• Mr. Albert Oung , President, World Green Organization, Hong Kong
• Tam Guna, Ministry of Hotels and Tourism
• Beau Tun, Managing Director, E-Asia
• U Doe Soe Min, Chairman of Myanmar Guide Association
• Ms. Vicky Bowman, Director, Myanmar Center for Responsible Business (MCRB); Former UK Ambassador to Myanmar.
• Dr. Aye Sandar Aung, Professor, Department of Dramatic Art, National University of Arts and Culture, Mandalay.

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SESSION 4.0 SUMMARY HIGHLIGHTS AND CLOSING

• 17:00 SUMMARY HIGHLIGHTS Nay Pyi Taw Segment By U Nay Htun, GEGG Founder And Hon: Patron

• 17:30 CLOSING by H.E U Win Tun, Union Minister for Environmental Conservation and Forestry

18:00 DEPART BY AIR CONDITIONED COACH FOR MANDALAY (about 4 hours journey)

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THURSDAY, 5th FEBRUARY 2015, MANDALAY SEGMENT
Addressing Science, Engineering, Technology, Management
(With focus on Dry Zones)

6.0 OPENING SESSION

09:00 to 10:15 Opening Session

• H.E U Ye Myint, Chief Minister, Mandalay Region,
• H.E U Htay Aung, Union Minister for Hotels & Tourism
• U Thein Tun, Chairman, Green Economy Green Growth, GEGG Myanmar (not for profit) Association,

10:15 to 10:30 BREAK

7.0 Round Table “The Inter-connectedness of Biological and Cultural Diversities”
Eminent Persons high level Round Table (Town Hall Format)

Chaired by Daw Sandar Khin, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Culture

Speakers

• Daw Sandar Khin, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Culture
• Dr. Nay Htun, GEGG Myanmar, Research Professor, Department of Technology and Society, Stony Brook, State University of New York. “Brief Overview of Biological and Culture Diversity for Sustainability and Resilience”
• Prof Pierluigi Bozzi, Institute of Life & Earth Science, African Union Pan-African University (PAU), hosted at Ibadan University (Nigeria); Coordinator, International University Network on Cultural and Biological Diversity (IUNCBD), via della Camilluccia 741, 00135 Rome, Italy; Coordinator Research-Teaching Programme, “Cultural and Biological Diversity Policy and Management” Department of Economics – Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of Antananarivo, Madagascar
• Professor Hezri Adnan, Program Director, Technology, Innovation, Environment & Sustainability (TIES), Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia; Distinguished Visiting Professor, Sustainability Research Alliance, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
• Prof: Dr. Su Su, Professor and Head, Department of Architecture, Mandalay Technology University.
• U Tin Aung Moe, , Associate Program Director, Myanmar Peace Centre

12:00 to 13:00 LUNCH

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8.0 PARALLEL SESSIONS

13:00 to 17:30 Three Parallel Thematic Topics (Break 14:30 to 15:00)
Co-Chaired by U Win Zaw, Deputy Director General, Dry Zone Greening Department, Ministry of Environmental Conservation and Forestry and Prof. Alexander J. Travis, Cornell University, US

8.1 GREEN PRODUCTIVITY IMPROVEMENT IN DRY ZONES: AGRICULTURAL AND ECONOMIC CLIMATE RESILIENCE AND SUSTAINABLE NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT.

Three Linked Sessions

8.1.1 “Climate Resilience livelihoods and sustainable natural resource management”. [Coordinated by UNDP]

Abstract: The Dry Zone is one of the most climate sensitive and natural resource poor regions in Myanmar. A large proportion of the Dry Zone population is dependent on subsistence farming and small-scale livestock rearing. Population pressure with limited livelihood opportunities tends to cause deforestation and forest degradation, due to clearing of forests for agricultural purposes, collection of fuel-wood for household use, etc.

The session will explore the vulnerabilities of the livelihoods in the dry zone at risk of climate change and how to overcome the vicious cycle interacting between poverty, economic development and natural resource management. The key departments and agencies implementing the development projects on the ground and UNDP will exchange the experience of the Dry Zone and the other countries’ experience and the strategies in the similar context. The session intends to strengthen Cooperation & Deepen Integration of local actors in building the resilience of livelihood options while improving ecosystems for Sustainable Natural Resources, Social & Economic Development in the Dry Zone.

Speakers

• U Kyaw Lwin Oo, Director, Dept. of Meteorology and Hydrology, Mandalay Region: “Climate change risk and trend in the Dry Zone (tbc)”
• U Hla Myint Aung, Director, Agriculture Dept. Mandalay Region: “Attempts to climate change adaptation and drought resilience agriculture in central dry zone of Myanmar/ trends and challenges”
• Dr. Yan Naing Soe, Director, Dept. of Livestock breeding and Veterinary Department, Mandalay Region: “Livestock breeding – the major income source of the dry land communities, the challenges and way forward”
• U Ba Kaung, Deputy Director, Dry Zone Greening Department: “Dry Zone Greening Activities towards Sustainable Green Productivity Improvement and Climate Resilience in Myanmar”
• Mr. Yusuke Takashi, Regional Technical Advisor, Asia Pacific Regional Office, UNDP

8.1.2 Sustainable Agricultural and Livestock/Fisheries Research and Technologies for Improving Productivity and Preserving Natural Resources [ Coordinated by Cornell University and Smithsonian]

Climate change imparts important challenges to agricultural productivity as well as economic development in the Dry Zone. Specific cropping and livestock strategies and technologies that might provide resilience to these changes will be discussed, using both local examples and cutting-edge approaches used in similar environments around the world. Equally important as promotion of productivity will be deployment of innovative market structures that return value to rural villages and incentivize the preservation of natural resources. Key points of research, system organization and capacity building will be identified.

Speakers

• Alexander Travis, Cornell University, Faculty Director, Environment, Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future; Associate Dean for International Programs, College of Veterinary Medicine: Sustainable integrated livestock production to improve food security, human nutrition, and livelihoods
• Ronnie Coffman, Cornell University, Director of International Programs, Professor of Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences: Sustainable improvements in crop production
• Daw Khin Mar Cho, Cornell University Cooperative Extension New York City; Senior Extension Associate; Director of International Programs, International Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Specialist : Market approaches for the sustainable improvement of productivity and livelihoods

8.1.3 Mapping and Mitigating Human Impacts to Sustain Biodiversity and Ecosystems [Cornell University, Smithsonian]

Increasing pressure on natural resources often has negative impacts on biodiversity and their supporting terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Assessing patterns and drivers of change, understanding threats, developing means for valuing ecosystems, and finding strategies for mitigation are critical to finding ways to reduce impacts to biodiversity while still providing economic benefits to dependent communities.

Speakers

• Andrea Hess, Spatial Analyst, EcoDev: “Forest cover change mapping to assess deforestation patterns in Myanmar”
• Aung Myo Chit, Program Coordinator, Smithsonian Institution: “Sustainable Fishery Practice in Myanmar”
• Melissa Songer, Smithsonian Institution: “Mitigating human impact in dry forest protected areas”
• Gregory Poe, Cornell University, Professor, Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management: Ecosystem Services and Values

Discussants

• Prof: Dr. Ye Htut Aung, Pro Rector, University of Veterinary Science
• Dr. Than Myint Tun, Lecturer, University of Agriculture

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8.2 GREEN, RESILIENT, SMART BUILT SYSTEMS

8.2.1 Afternoon Parallel Session: Energy, Materials, Lighting & Designs for Buildings: The State of the Art.

Speakers

• Dr. Rene VAN BERKEL, Chief, Cleaner and Sustainable Production Unit, UNIDO, Vienna, Austria
• Mr Andrew M Lee, Chief Country Representative, GE Int’l., Myanmar
• Mr. Frank Dalene, President & CEO, Telemark Inc US Founder and CEO, Hamptons Green Alliance, US.
• Mr. Krisada Ruangchotevit Sustainable Development Assistant Manager, Siam Cement Group, Bangkok, Thailand
• Professor Feng Ting LI, Deputy Dean, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
• Dr. Ohnmar May Tin Hlaing, Environmental Consultant, Environmental Quality Management (EQM) Co. Ltd.

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8.3 RESPONSIBLE AND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

8.3.1 Afternoon Parallel Session: Conserving and Protecting Ancient Cities, [with Ministries of Hotels and Tourism and Culture]

• U Sun Oo, GEGG Board Member, Vice-Chairman, Myanmar Association of Architect.
• U Win Kyaing, Principle, Field School Archeological, Department of Archeology and Director, Ministry of Culture.
• Mr. Mahesh Pradhan, UNEP Representative, Chief, Environmental Education & Training Unit, Nairobi, Kenya.

18:30 FORUM RECEPTION

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FRIDAY, 6th FEBRUARY 2015, MANDALAY SEGMENT

9.0 PARALLEL SESSIONS 09:00 to 12:00

9.2 GREEN, RESILIENT, SMART BUILT SYSTEMS

9.2.1 Morning Session: Greening of Cities; Now & Future for Habitability, Safety & Sustainability Coordinated and Organized by Green Lotus, Yangon & Paris

Myanmar cities stand at a strategic time, where decisive orientations can be taken to limit CO2 emissions, and economic loss from transport, energy, water or waste management. Urban planning from other countries experience and business practitioners is part of the global solution that should be promoted here in Myanmar.

Speakers

• Mrs Sarah Colenbrander, Research fellow, Climate Smart Cities, University of Leeds (UK): “Calculation of the economic interest when investing in sustainable solutions for cities”
• Mr Gary Moys, Project Director, International Division at SAFEGE: “Implementing sustainable solutions in Mandalay”
• Mr Jean-Marc Brûlé, Green Lotus Chairman and member of Paris Region Parliament: “Urban planning in Paris Region: methods and main directions for sustainability”
• Mr Antoine Mougenot, Director of AREP Asia (Town planning designer agency): “Urban planning in South East Asia: business perspective for concrete solutions”
• Dr Lai Choo Malone-Lee, Director of Centre for Sustainable Asian Cities, National University of Singapore: “Urban planning in South East Asia: public policies perspectives”

9.2.2 Morning Session: “Mandalay – Kitakyushu City to City Cooperation Towards an Eco Model City of ASEAN.”

Kitakyushu’ experiences demonstrate that economic growth can be compatible with environmental achievement by introducing local policies that combine industrial promotion and environmental protection measures. Also, the evidence shows the importance of building partnership among relevant stakeholders in the local development, which can be initiated by the local government. Based on the current partnership between the Mandalay City and Kita-Kyushu City to improve the municipal solid waste management (MSWM), the session will facilitate in-depth discussion to enable common understanding on the current situation/challenges, and aims to build a consensus among relevant stakeholders while identifying potential financial support system for the city to city cooperation for the implementation of model projects.

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Mandalay PROGRAM (PROPOSED DRAFT) – 6 February

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9.3 RESPONSIBLE AND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

Public Awareness, Education and Training: Mobilizing Traditional & Social Media In collaboration with Ministry of Hotels & Tourism

Chaired by U Ko Ko, , GEGG Board Member, President, Myanmar Journalist Association, Chairman & CEO , Yangon Media Group

Speakers:

• U Ko Ko, GEGG Board Member, President, Myanmar Journalist Association, Chairman & CEO , Yangon Media Group.
• M.r Mahesh Pradhan, Chief, Environmental Education and Training Unit, UNEP, Nairobi
• Prof, Luigui Bozzi, Coordinator Research-Teaching Programme, “Cultural and Biological Diversity Policy and Management” Department of Economics – Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of Antananarivo, Madagascar
• Prof. Fengting LI, Vice Dean, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
• U Tin Aung Moe, Associate Program Director, Myanmar Peace Centre.
• Prof. Saw Win, REAM Exec Com Member, Former Rector, Maubin University, Myanmar

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10.0 SESSION SUMMARY HIGHLIGHTS AND CLOSING

12:15 Summary Highlights of Mandalay Segment by U Nay Htun, GEGG Founder and Hon: Patron

12:30 CLOSING by H.E U Than Soe Myint , Minister of Forestry and Mining , Mandalay Region Government

12:40 to 13:30 LUNCH

14:00 DEPART MANDALAY