Led by Myanmar’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation (MONREC) and the Ministry of Electricity and Energy (MOEE) with support from IFC and the Australian government, the Strategic Environmental Assessment of Myanmar’s hydropower sector provides an informed hydropower pathway for each major basin that takes a balanced approach, aiming to replace piecemeal project-by-project planning.
Drawing on stakeholder views, advice and recommendations, the SEA provides a deeper understanding of the importance of Myanmar's values and reliance on riverine resources.
Final Report
The SEA Final Report recommends a balance between hydropower development and natural resource protection in each major river basin in Myanmar, contributing to the healthy functioning of these rivers for the next century and beyond. It also recommends implementing basin zoning to improve project siting; improving sustainable hydropower project design; improving environmental and social impact assessment and management planning; and obtaining essential baseline data required for hydropower and basin planning.
Full report: English / Myanmar
Read the Executive Summary English / Myanmar / Kachin / Karen / Shan / Mandarin / Thai
Sub-basin Evaluation
An evaluation of baseline environmental and social conditions in Myanmar’s eight basins including the Ayeyarwady, Thanlwin, Mekong, Myit Mo Hka and Bago, Sittaung, Bilin, Tanintharyi, and Rakhine was undertaken to provide an overview of natural and social resources potentially affected by medium and large scale hydropower development. The country-wide evaluation provides information on features that enable whole-of-basin hydropower planning and GIS layers that provide an overview of basin conditions.
Stakeholder Engagement Plan
A stakeholder engagement plan was conducted at the start of the SEA to outline consultation and communication activities; identify key stakeholder groups; and identify resources needed and length of time to achieve effective participation in each stage of the process. Stakeholder engagement was delivered through consultation events including regional engagements, workshops and meetings with government and civil society groups, and expert and advisory group committees. A map illustrating SEA stakeholder engagements is available here.
Regional River Basin Consultations
Regional river basin consultations engaged and kept stakeholders informed of the SEA process. This summary report presents the results of participatory stakeholder mapping and analysis at the river basin level; and key environmental and social issues and opportunities identified by stakeholders. Participants were encouraged to discuss values and uses of the river, and development issues facing the basin or region.
Baseline Assessments
Divided into 8 chapters, SEA Baseline Assessments provided the foundation for the SEA Final Report:
Introduction | Hydropower | Geomorphology and Sediment Transport |
Terrestrial Biodiversity | Fisheries, Aquatic Ecology & River Health |
Hydropower Database
A national GIS database of existing and proposed hydropower projects over 10 MW capacity was developed to take stock of the status of hydropower development in each basin and sub-basin. The database provides the location of each project and a summary of key project information as available, including: ownership and development status; baseline conditions; and project technical data.
Stakeholder Feedback
During the SEA process, stakeholders provided their feedback on the SEA Baseline Reports and the SEA Final Report. Feedback was reviewed by the SEA team, helping shape the direction of the SEA.To encourage transparency, the comments were made anonymous and shared with the public.The draft SEA Final Report will soon be ready for stakeholder review and feedback. Stakeholder will be able to download the comment matrix for the draft SEA Final Report below.
Related Links
Frequently Asked Questions in English and Myanmar Language
IFC Helps Integrate Sustainability into Myanmar's Hydro Future
IFC and Myanmar Government Discuss Strategic Environmental Assessment Findings with Stakeholders
How the Private Sector Can Use Myanmar's Strategic Environmental Assessment
Introducing the Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Hydropower Sector in Myanmar
Myanmar Government Shares Their Perspective on the Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Hydropower Sector
Engaging Civil Society Key to Sustainable Hydropower Development in Myanmar
Getting to Know the SEA in Myanmar
What Counts for Hydropower Stakeholders in Myanmar
Myanmar Minister Sets the Pitch for SEA
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