By Min Zan
THE Ayeyawady River, also known as the Irrawaddy River, is a lifeline for the people of Myanmar. Spanning over 2,170 kilometres and flowing from the northern Himalayas down to the Andaman Sea, it is the country’s longest and most important river. There are many rivers in the world that share their advantages and disadvantages with the neighbouring countries. However, the most useful parts of The Ayeyawady are located just in the boundary of Myanmar. It is both unique and special. It is one of the largest free-flowing rivers in Southeast Asia.
Although the river is “free-flowing”, it is not pristine. The Ayeyawady is the engine of the Myanmar economy. It feeds the country’s population with fish and rice and enables goods to be transported to people up and down the river. Its waters are used to power turbines for electricity, while sand from its basin is a key component for infrastructure like houses, offices, and roads.
This document attempts to identify how the Ayeyawady River is important to Myanmar’s economy and society. It also aims to highlight the importance of balanced development that will ensure the naturally functioning systems within the river continue to support growth and development, as they have for hundreds of years. It is a culmination of perspectives and inputs from stakeholders along the river regarding their perceived risks and opportunities.
The document shows that it is evident that the Ayeyarwady Basin provides the majority of economic value to the country. It is also evident that some of these sectors are contributing to the degradation of ecosystem goods and services provided by the river. Although economic growth and social development are needed in Myanmar, this does not have to be at the cost of the river’s health.
WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) cares about people and nature being able to thrive alongside each other. This is what they believe in Myanmar too. They would like to support economic and social growth in Myanmar without jeopardizing the integrity of the rivers. The Ayeyawady River provides goods and services to enable a majority of economic and social activities that take place within Myanmar. Without these river services, Myanmar’s economy would not be the same. With looming decisions around hydropower development, industrial expansion, fisheries, and in general, economic growth in the country, decision-makers cannot afford to operate in isolation. Without a common vision for the future, all sectors will compete with one another and miss opportunities for holistic efficient development. Highlighting major risks and opportunities for different sectors through a series of short narratives and numbers shows what is at stake when taking a narrow view of planning – and all that can be gained through a more thoughtful, long-term, and integrated approach.
Their call to action for a sustainable, free-flowing Ayeyawady Basin is as follows:
Economic planning decision-makers need to investigate the connections and trade-offs between different development pathways and how they interact with the natural capital and ecosystem services that the people of Myanmar depend on.
The private sector needs to ensure that they act as good water stewards in the country, even though in some cases there is uncertainty in terms of regulations. Reducing water-related risks, whether physical, regulatory, or reputational in the broader Ayeyawady Basin is critical for their long-term business ambitions.
Civil society needs to continue its demand for transparent dialogue between decision-makers, the private sector, and civil society regarding preferable options for sustainable development in the Ayeyarwady Basin.
Finally, coordinating strategies and plans are critical as Myanmar continues on its economic growth and social development trajectory. This is true not only for the Government of Myanmar but also for development assistance in the country. River basin planning in particular has an important role to play in supporting the coordination of an entire spectrum of economic activities – from mining to tourism and from the upper catchment to the delta. It is important that this planning takes place in a coordinated manner to ensure that the unique position of the Ayeyawady River, home to the endemic Irrawaddy Dolphin, productive fisheries, industry, and mining is able to continue providing the basis of the Myanmar economy.
However, in recent years, the Ayeyawady River has been facing numerous dangerous conditions that threaten the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on it for their daily lives and economic activities.
One of the most pressing issues affecting the Ayeyawady River is the unchecked development of hydropower projects. Myanmar has seen a surge in dam construction along the river and its tributaries, with the aim of generating electricity to meet the growing energy demands of the country. However, these dam projects often lack proper environmental impact assessments and social safe guards, leading to devastating consequences for the river ecosystem and local communities.
One of the major concerns is the loss of biodiversity and habitat destruction. The Ayeyawady River is home to a diverse array of species, including critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphins, freshwater turtles, and migratory fish species. The construction of dams disrupts the natural flow of the river, alters the sediment and nutrient dynamics, and destroys critical habitats, leading to the decline of these species and the overall ecological health of the river.
Furthermore, the displacement of local communities due to dam construction has resulted in the loss of land, livelihoods, and traditional ways of life. Many indigenous and rural communities along the Ayeyawady River rely on fishing, farming, and other river-based activities for their sustenance and income. The forced resettlement of these communities without adequate compensation and alternative livelihood options has led to social and economic hardships, exacerbating poverty and inequality in the region.
Another perilous condition faced by the Ayeyawady River is pollution. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and agricultural activities have resulted in increased pollution in the river, including untreated sewage, chemical runoff, and solid waste. This pollution not only poses health risks to people who depend on the river for drinking water and bathing but also harms aquatic life and ecosystems.
Climate change is also affecting the Ayeyawady River, with rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns. Increased temperatures accelerate glacial melting in the Himalayas, affecting the river’s water flow and sedimentation patterns. Changing rainfall patterns result in unpredictable water levels and alter the river’s hydrological regime, further impacting agriculture, navigation, and livelihoods along the river basin.
In addition, unregulated sand mining is another pressing issue facing the Ayeyawady River. Sand mining has increased to meet the demand for construction materials, but it has resulted in excessive riverbank erosion, loss of river habitats, and increased vulnerability to natural disasters, such as floods and landslides.
To address these dangerous conditions, urgent and coordinated efforts are needed. This includes strengthening environmental regulations, conducting comprehensive and participatory environmental impact assessments for all development projects, ensuring meaningful engagement and consent of local communities, and implementing sustainable river management practices. It is also crucial to invest in alternative renewable energy sources, promote sustainable agriculture and fisheries practices, and raise awareness about the importance of the Ayeyawady River and its conservation among local communities and policymakers.
In sum, the Ayeyawady River in Myanmar is facing multiple dangerous conditions that threaten its ecological health, the livelihoods of local communities, and the country’s sustainable development. Addressing these challenges requires immediate action and a holistic approach that prioritizes environmental sustainability, social equity, and economic resilience. It is crucial to protect and restore the Ayeyawady River, which is not only a vital natural resource but also a cultural symbol and the lifeline for the people of Myanmar.
