Abstract:

This chapter examines the current state of environmental and natural resources governance in Myanmar for addressing priority needs, challenges and opportunities, and identifies possible areas of improvement. Recently emerged from decades of political and economic isolation, the country is actively integrating with the global economy and its economic development is accelerating. Myanmar is endowed with an extensive array of biodiversity and abundant natural resources, with almost 40% of forest cover, pristine coastline and exclusive economic zones which is a home to boundless fisheries and other marine resources. The country relies heavily on natural resources to boost its economy and most of its foreign direct investment (FDI) is directed toward extractive industries. On the other hand, mismanagement, lack of responsible business conducts, poor governance and poor transparency have left Myanmar with some of the worst development indicators and environmental performance. At the absence of effective environmental regulations and natural resource management, environmental degradation and resource depletion are rising rapidly. The chapter appraises current environmental laws, natural resources policy measures, and natural resource governance frameworks, and put forward policy recommendations.