Project Description
Hydrogeological and Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Mapping of the Eastern Highlands
Donor: AWP | Partner: Aqua Rock Konsultants | Duration: 2019 – 2020 | Location: Myanmar
About: From Kachin State in the Himalayan foothills, running through Shan, Kayah, Kayin, and Mon States, and finishing in Tanintharyi Region on the Andaman Gulf, the Eastern Highlands of Myanmar receive high levels of rainfall, but mostly in the Wet Season from May/June to early October. Outside of these months, many areas are devoid of water suitable for drinking and agricultural purposes. This challenge is compounded by relatively higher rates of poverty in some states – notably Kachin, Kayah and Kayin, and ongoing social tensions in the region. Improving water security in the Eastern Highlands is therefore a priority target of the Myanmar government.
In partnership with Aqua Rock Konsultants, ICEM has commenced the Hydrogeological and Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Mapping of the Eastern Highlands project funded by AWP. Key objectives are:
- Extending knowledge of the groundwater resources of the Eastern Highlands
- Assessing the groundwater potential of the limestone aquifers
- Assessing the impact of selected mining sites on water quality within the various hydrogeological regimes
- Assessing the impact of Climate Change on the sustainability of groundwater resources
Conducting gender and ethnic minority poverty analysis including identification of the role of men and women in water resources management
The project will also involve a key GIS and remote sensing component, with the team responsible for digitizing, editing and compiling a number of maps.
Image credit: Pohtecktoes
