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.
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”
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.
09:00 to 10:15
GREETINGS
10:15 to 10:30 BREAK
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.
10:30 to 12:30 Eminent Persons Round Table Dialogue (Town Hall Format)
12:30 to 13:30 LUNCH
13:30 to 15:30 Eminent Persons Round Table Dialogue (Town Hall Format)
15:30 to 17:30 Eminent Persons Round Table Dialogue (Town Hall Format)
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
Co-Chairs: Prof. Dr. San Win, Pro-Rector, Yezin Forestry University, Myanmar, &
Prof. Alexander J.Travis, Cornell University, NY
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.
BREAK (15 minutes)
Drs. San Win, Alexander Travis, Ronnie Coffman, Melissa Songer, Aung Myo Chit and Khin Mar Cho.
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.
TIME | TOPIC | SPEAKER |
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13:30-13:40 | Opening remarks | Kate Newman Vice President, Forest & Freshwater Public Sector Initiatives, WWF |
13:40-14:00 | Harnessing natural capital approaches for sustainable road development Transport infrastructure is an important contributor to economic growth but can also drive environmental degradation and the loss of ecosystem services, undermining the development benefits they are intended to provide. Accounting for and managing natural capital and ecosystem service benefits throughout the transport development process can enhance the sustainability, durability and effectiveness of infrastructure. This talk showcases practical approaches and tools for integrating ecosystem services into transport development – from early planning to design to mitigation – and illustrates how using these approaches can benefit both the environment and people. |
Lisa Mandle Senior Scientist, Stanford University, Natural Capital Project |
14:00-14:15 | Q&A | |
14:15-14:35 | Mapping natural capital in Tanintharyi to inform sustainable infrastructure development: the case of the Dawei Road The proposed transport corridor linking the proposed Dawei seaport to Thailand has the potential to bring economic benefits to the people of Myanmar. Yet, it will pass through a critical forested landscape in Tanintharyi. The routing and design of the road must be carefully planned taking the region’s natural capital into account to help conserve the region’s biodiversity and ensure that the people can continue to access the benefits from the landscape.To aid in planning, WWF is conducting baseline assessments of natural capital in Tanintharyi and modeling impacts of future development scenarios on natural capital. Our baseline assessments will be used for a more detailed study of land cover and distribution of natural capital on the landscape that will provide spatially explicit information for road planning and impact mitigation. These assessments will also feed into a Green Economy model of the region that will elucidate socioeconomic and environmental costs and benefits of different road construction scenarios. Ultimately, lessons learned from this case study have the potential to inform infrastructure development nationally across Myanmar as the country expands its infrastructure. |
Nirmal Bhagabati Senior Program Officer, Forest Program, WWF |
14:35-14:50 | Q&A | |
14:50-15:10 | Coffee break | |
15:10-16:15 | Panel discussion: What can Myanmar learn from transport infrastructure development in Europe? The long experience from building roads in Europe have left many countries with valuable lessons, both in terms of how to minimize negative impact from road constructions, but also how to put in place measures that can mitigate the negative impact on ecosystems and wildlife. As Myanmar enhances its own road and infrastructure network, there is much to learn from Europe, both in terms of what has worked but also from what has worked less well. Many of these green transport infrastructure solutions bring multiple social, environmental and economic benefits that can support Myanmar’s infrastructure development long-term. A panel of experts will discuss experiences and lessons from Europe that might be adapted in Myanmar. |
Moderator: Jonathan Hoekstra Vice President, Conservation Science and Chief Scientist, WWF
Panelists: Elke Hahn Lazaros Georgiadis Biologist, Environmental Consultant, Greece Miklós Puky, |
16:15-16:40 | Q&A and Discussion | |
16:40 – 16:45 | Concluding remarks | Jonathan Hoekstra Vice President, Conservation Science and Chief Scientist, WWF |
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.
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.
Time | Activities | Chair/Speaker/Moderator |
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13:20-13:30 | Registration | MC: Dr. Vitor Vasconcelos, Post-doctoral fellow, SEI Rapporteur: Ms. Cho Cho Win, Ayeyarwady Futures Program Coordinator, SEI |
13:30-13:50 (20 min) | Session 1: Opening session
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Dr. Eric Kemp-Benedict, Asia Centre Director, SEI DWIR Representative Prof. Dr. Win Maung, Chairman of MEI |
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Dr. Chayanis Krittasudthacheewa, Asia Centre Deputy Director, SEI | |
Introduction to all participants | All | |
13:50-15:00 (70 min) | Session 2: Improving the agricultural productivity to meet the growing demands and support the economic development while ensuring the environmental and social sustainability in the context of IWRM and Green Economy | |
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Dr. Chayanis Krittasudthacheewa, Asia Centre Deputy Director, SEI, on behalf of IWMI | |
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Prof. Dr. Win Maung, Chairman of MEI | |
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Dr. Chusit Apirumanekul, Research Fellow, SEI | |
15:00-15:20 (20 min) | Coffee break | |
15:20-16:40 (80 min) | Session 3: Participatory scenarios building process in developing the visions for transforming the agricultures in the Ayeyarwady River Basin in 2040 | Dr. Eric Kemp-Benedict, Asia Centre Director, SEIWorking groups facilitated by resource persons from SEI (Dr. Eric, Dr. Chayanis, Dr. Chusit, Dr. Vitor, Dr.Lada Phadungkiati, Ms. Cho Cho), Representatives from DWIR (tbd) and MEI (Prof. Dr. Win Maung) |
16:40-17:00 (20 min) | Session 4: Closing session | |
Conclusion | Dr. Chayanis Krittasudthacheewa, Asia Centre Deputy Director, SEI | |
Thank you and Closing (Questionnaires to be filled) |
Dr. Eric Kemp-Benedict, Asia Centre Director, SEI Representative from DWIR Prof. Dr. Win Maung, Chairman of MEI |
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.
9:00 – 9:25 | Opening Part (25 mins) [Chair]
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9:00 – 9:10 | Opening Remarks (10 mins):
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9:10 – 9:25 | Key note presentation (15 mins):
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9:25 – 10:25 | Part 1: Building on Low Carbon and Resilient Society in Myanmar (60 mins.) [Co-Chair]
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9:25 – 10:15 | Presentations (10 min for each):
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10:15 – 10:25 | Discussions (incl. Q and A) (10 mins.): |
10:25 – 10:35 | Coffee/Tea Break (10 mins.) |
10:35 – 11:45 | Session 2: Integration of Knowledge for Low Carbon and Resilient Society (70 mins.) [Co-Chairs:]
Here in this session, we would like to conduct a frank exchange of views on how we can enhance regional capacity levels in the areas of research, information dissemination, and cooperation in ways that address post-2015 circumstances, as well as on how we can make intellectual contributions to Asia’s low-carbon development through promoting south-south regional cooperation and bringing these institutes together as a “CoE (Centre of Excellence)” coalition. |
10:35 – 11:40 | Presentations (65 mins):
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11:40 – 11:45 | Discussions (incl. Q and A) (5 mins.): |
11:45 – 12:00 | Discussions (15 mins) Chair: Mr. Toshiyuki Iwadou, Principal Research Fellow, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies
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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.
3.2.3 Afternoon Parallel Session: “Renewable and Resilient Energy, Electricity, Storage & Mezzo Grid for Rural Development”
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.
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.
09:00 to 10:15 Opening Session
10:15 to 10:30 BREAK
Chaired by Daw Sandar Khin, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Culture
12:00 to 13:00 LUNCH
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
8.1.1 “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.
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.
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.
Discussants
8.2.1 Afternoon Parallel Session: Energy, Materials, Lighting & Designs for Buildings: The State of the Art.
8.3.1 Afternoon Parallel Session: Conserving and Protecting Ancient Cities, [with Ministries of Hotels and Tourism and Culture]
18:30 FORUM RECEPTION
9.0 PARALLEL SESSIONS 09:00 to 12:00
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.
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.
Time | Activities |
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09:00- 09:20 | Opening Remarks
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09:20- 10:30 | PART 1: Potential of City to City Cooperation: for Environmentally Sustainable Mandalay City [Chair: U Htun Kyi, Executive Committee member, MCDC U Han Soe, Executive Committee member, MCDC] Opening by Chair (5min)Keynote Lectures (20 min)
Presentations (15 min *2)
Q&A (15 min) |
10:30- 10:40 | Coffee Break (10 mins) |
10:40- 11:50 | PART 2: How can Mandalay City Take Off Towards an Eco Model City Of ASEAN? ~Panel Discussion [Chair: Mr. D.G.J. Premakumara, Kitakyushu Urban Centre, IGES] [Co-Chairs: U Htun Kyi, Executive Committee member, MCDC U Han Soe, Executive Committee member, MCDC] Panelists
Discussion |
11:50-12:00 | Wrap Up by D.G.J. Premakumara, Kitakyushu Urban Centre, IGES |
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
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