WSHPDR_2013_Final_Report-updated_version

sustainability in policy is expected to form a long-term
political vision and agenda.
The Government has voiced interest in promoting
renewable energy. Application of renewable energy,
energy efficiency and energy conservation measures
are being undertaken extendedly. However, natural
resource governance remains a challenge, with limited
accountability over the revenues from mining, logging
and other extractive activities. The country is highly
vulnerable to climate change and extreme weather
events, as exemplified by the devastating Cyclone
Nargis of 2008. A National More Pure Fuel Policy has
been drawn. 7
The Greater Mekong Subregion Economic
Cooperation Program Strategic Framework 2012-2022
is also likely to have a significant role in development
a national framework to combat environmental
issues. The programme has an integrated approach to
energy security and environmental performance.
Legislation on small hydropower
There is limited legislation concerning any form of
hydropower. Given the rapid developments occurring
there is a need to develop a revised framework for
hydropower development. During the 5th Mekong
Legal Network meeting of legal professional from the
six Mekong countries held in 2012 in Chiang Mai,
Thailand, the legal challenges, reforms and
opportunities in hydropower for lawyers and
campaigners working in Myanmar were discussed. 8
This small step is a significant move in the right
direction.
Barriers to small hydropower development
Technical capacity transfer, both with
neighbouring countries as well as within the
country itself, is needed to develop small
hydropower sustainably. 2
The economic sanctions have prevented small
hydropower development.
Protestors continue to question the role of
hydropower as an export commodity while many
people live in darkness. Plans to build several
dozen hydropower dams on Myanmar’s rivers
have been met with fears of damage to
livelihoods and food security. 9 Although this is not
directly related to small hydropower, it could
negatively affect the image of small hydropower.
Lack of legal framework for the small hydropower
sector. 8
Sustainable Development of Rural Communities In
Myanmar. 21 June 2010. Presentation in Hangzhou,
China.
3. Asian Development Bank (2012). Myanmar in
Transition: Opportunities and Challenges. Available
from
www.adb.org/sites/default/files/pub/2012/myanmarin-transition.pdf.
Accessed December 2012.
4. Thein, M. and Myint, M. (2008). Japan Cooperation
in Energy Sector: Myanmar Perspective Centre for
Studies in International Relations and Development
Discussion Paper No 39.
5. Kya-Oh (2012). Insight – Myanmar’s Power Struggle
Endangers Economic Boom Reuters.
6. International Energy Agency (2009). Electricity/Heat
in Myanmar 2009. Available from
www.iea.org/stats/electricitydata.asp?COUNTRY_COD
E=MM.
7. United Nations International Strategy for Disaster
Reduction Secretariat (2009). 2009 Global Assessment
Report on Disaster Risk Reduction. Geneva. Available
from
www.preventionweb.net/english/hyogo/gar/report/in
dex.php?id=1130.
8. Earth Rights International (2012). Mekong Legal
Network explores regional strategies for hydropower,
human rights and business, ERI, 17 July. Available
from www.earthrights.org/legal/mekong-legalnetwork-explores-regional-strategies-hydropowerhuman-rights-and-business
Accessed December 2012.
9. Lei Win, T. (2012). Myanamar in Dark over
Hydropower in Asia. Alert Net, 24 July.
Available from
www.trust.org/alertnet/news/myanmar-in-the-darkover-hydropower-for-asia.
References:
1. Central Intelligence Agency (2012). The World
Factbook. Available from
www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-worldfactbook/.
2. Unknown (2010). Small Hydropower and
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