Host Organisation

Kawthoolei Environmental Protection Committee (KEPC)

Description

Myanmar’s first Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) was submitted to UNFCCC in July 2021. Most of the targets and actions included in that NDC were set at a national-level, without inclusive or detailed consultations with local or sub-national-level stakeholders. This meant that Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPs & LCs) across the country were missed from the process. This exclusion of local-level stakeholders and their important role in delivering on the Paris Agreement – both in Myanmar and across the world – became the centre of discussions at the United Nations climate conferences in Glasgow (COP26), Egypt (COP27) and Dubai (COP28). At these events, representatives from Myanmar’s civil society and indigenous groups clearly expressed the need for sub-national climate targets and actions to ensure the effective participation of non-state actors in climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Affirming the critical participation of non-state actors (often IPs & LCs) is more critical than ever in Myanmar at this time. National action on Myanmar’s NDC is currently at a standstill due to the complex political situation in the country. However, through a process facilitated by representatives from the Karen, an ethnic majority in southern Myanmar, and alongside other Indigenous Peoples, a localised climate action plan has been developed. The plan demonstrates the determination and commitment of Indigenous Peoples to take climate change action, while recognising their territories and traditional way of life. Initial formation of this climate action plan began in October 2022, and has been further developed over the course of capacity building sessions, workshops and consultations. Various stakeholders have been involved in the development process, including local civil society and community-based organisations from southern Myanmar.

Speakers

Saw Frankie and Saw Ah Oo

Languages

English