Myanmar

Integrated Context
Myanmar’s environmental challenges are unfolding in a context shaped by political instability and ongoing conflict, where governance systems have been significantly weakened. Pressures from deforestation, expanding mining activities, and increasing exposure to floods and cyclones are placing strain on ecosystems that millions of people depend on for their livelihoods. Forests and river systems remain central to rural economies, supporting agriculture, fisheries, and local resource use. However, these systems are under growing pressure. Unsustainable extraction practices, combined with limited regulatory oversight, have accelerated forest loss and contributed to soil erosion and watershed degradation. At the same time, climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of floods and cyclones, particularly in vulnerable delta and coastal regions. In this setting, environmental management is closely tied to governance capacity. Strengthening resilience will require rebuilding systems that can support sustainable resource use, improve disaster preparedness, and enable communities to manage local ecosystems more effectively. Approaches that are flexible, locally grounded, and responsive to complex operating environments will be critical.