Project Description
The Ayeyarwady Integrated River Basin Management (AIRBM) Project was launched to support Myanmar’s sustainable economic development by strengthening its water resource management systems, particularly in the Ayeyarwady Basin. Financed by the World Bank, the project aimed to enable informed, data-driven decision-making through institutional development, hydrological data modernization, and improved navigation systems. This assignment was implemented under Component I, which focused on establishing the foundational knowledge, tools, and participatory processes needed to support integrated basin planning and management.
Objectives, Activities and Results
Under Component I, the project aimed to develop a contemporary Decision Support System (DSS) for the Ayeyarwady Basin, complete with databases, simulation models, and analytical tools. These resources enabled the Government of Myanmar to formulate development scenarios and assess their sustainability, equity, and risk. A phased Ayeyarwady Basin Master Plan was prepared, balancing economic, environmental, and social priorities. Key activities included scenario modeling, technical capacity building, and extensive stakeholder consultations. The project fostered ownership and understanding among government agencies and communities, laying the groundwork for long-term, integrated river basin management in Myanmar.
