ID: 2097
Presenting Author: Thuta Khin
Session: 750 - Bridging the Gap: Empowering Local Governments in Developing Economies to Make Environmental Impact Assessments Understandable and Actionable
Status: pending
This presentation shows how the KyaukPhyu Deep Sea Port EIA supports local authorities in Myanmar to interpret complex data and apply practical mitigation amid political instability.
This presentation draws on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the KyaukPhyu Special Economic Zone (KPSEZ) Deep Sea Port Project, a transformative infrastructure initiative aimed at strengthening Myanmar’s connectivity and economic integration with regional and global markets. Located on Myanmar’s western coast in Rakhine State, KyaukPhyu is a strategic site to enhance trade routes linking Southeast Asia with East Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe. In developing countries like Myanmar, ongoing political instability, particularly following the 2021 military coup, poses major barriers to sustainable development and infrastructure progress. Moreover, frequent dissemination of incomplete or inaccurate media narratives often distorts stakeholder perceptions and obscures realities on the ground, particularly for external investors. The assessment combines rigorous technical analysis with participatory engagement among local communities, government authorities and environmental groups to strengthen transparency and open communication. This inclusive approach enabled local stakeholders to actively participate in the EIA process and voice their concerns. By emphasising clarity and cooperation, the project demonstrated that EIA can still function as a bridge between science, governance and public understanding, even amid misinformation and authoritarian oversight. The presentation concludes with lessons for practitioners on promoting accountability, resilience and actionable impact assessment in fragile or politically complex settings.
Thuta is a London-based consultant with Myanmar Survey Research and the co-founder of Leiho, supporting social impact, community development & actionable environmental assessment in Myanmar.
Coauthor 1: Kyaw Hlaing
Coauthor 2: Than Tun