Gov’t approves environmental impact rules for investments

18 January 2016
Gov’t approves environmental impact rules for investments
The consortium pledges to protect the environment once the special economic zone and port get up and running. Photo: Lynn Bo Bo/EPA

Comprehensive government standards for assessing the environmental and social impacts of investment projects in Myanmar were issued last week, with the cooperation of the World Bank (WB).
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Procedure –approved by the Cabinet in November – specifies the type and scope of environmental assessments required for all investment projects that could cause environmental or social harm in the country.
"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, the deputy minister of Environmental Conservation and Forestry.
Also announced were environmental quality guidelines that aim to minimize levels of air, noise and water pollution.
The World Bank has played a continuing lead role in supporting the Ministry of Environmental Conservation and Forestry to develop both the procedures and guidelines.
“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,” said Winfried Wicklein, country director in Myanmar.
More than 200 representatives from government, civil society, and development agencies attended the launch event.
Thet Then Zin said the EIA process helps identify possible consequences of projects on socioeconomic development and minimize their impact on the environment.
“It is becoming a must when investing in Myanmar to keep the economy and social and environmental conservation in balance,” she said. “It is a priority to control water pollution, air pollution and soil pollution on projects.”
Hla Maung Thein, the deputy director-general of the Department of Environmental Conservation, said putting the rules into practice would result in effective environmental management.
Environmental impact assessments focus on project transparency, stakeholder acceptance and environmental conservation at a minimal cost. Project investors will be required to publicize relevant information in real time.
He said investors will be required to self-monitor projects and report back to concerned government departments.
Failure to communicate the necessary project information, could lead to a fine of between US $1,000 and $5,000, according to the EIA rules.