Project Description
Component Three of the Myanmar Ayeyarwady Integrated River Basin Management (AIRBM) Project sought to improve inland waterway transport on the Ayeyarwady River, which plays a critical role in Myanmar’s national connectivity and economic development. Managed by the Directorate of Water Resources and Improvement of River Systems (DWIR) and supported by the World Bank, the project aimed to enhance navigability between Mandalay and Yangon. Two focus areas were designated: Sub-project 1 (Mandalay to Sagaing) and Stretch 1 (Mandalay to Nyaung Oo, approximately 160 km). Enhancements included river training structures, dredging, bank protection, and navigation aids, all of which required comprehensive environmental and social planning.
Objective, Activities and Results
The objective was to ensure that navigation enhancement measures were environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive. ICEM led the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for Sub-project 1 and the broader Environmental and Social Assessment (ESA) for Stretch 1. These assessments evaluated baseline conditions, modeled potential impacts, and developed mitigation and enhancement strategies through stakeholder engagement. Outputs included Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), stakeholder engagement frameworks, and policy recommendations. The work facilitated informed dialogue and built a foundation for integrated, resilient planning for river transport improvements along the Ayeyarwady.
Links
Scoping report (English)
Scoping report (Burmese)
