New EIA Requirements to Help Safeguard Myanmar's Environment

NAY PYI TAW, MYANMAR (14 January 2016) - The Government of Myanmar today announced new requirements, developed with assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), for assessing the environmental and social impacts of investment projects.

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Procedure – signed off by Cabinet in November – specifies the type and scope of environmental assessments required for all investment projects that could cause environmental and social harm.

"Myanmar’s EIA process will effectively help prevent the potentially adverse environmental and social impacts of development projects and contribute to the nation and people achieving sustainable development,” said Thet Thet Zin, Deputy Minister of Environmental Conservation and Forestry.Also announced were environmental quality guidelines that aim to minimize levels of air, noise, and water pollution.

ADB, through the GMS Core Environment Program, has played a lead role in supporting the Ministry of Environmental Conservation and Forestry to develop both the procedure and guidelines. ADB will continue support to help Myanmar build its environmental safeguards system to international standard.

“The EIA Procedure and environmental quality guidelines reflect the Myanmar Government’s progress in putting in place laws, regulations, and processes to manage its economy in a more environmentally sustainable fashion. ADB is very pleased to be supporting Myanmar to achieve this,” said Mr. Winfried Wicklein, ADB Country Director in Myanmar.More than 200 representatives from government, civil society, and development agencies attended the launch event.

ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members – 48 from the region.