Myanmar Climate Change Alliance

Myanmar Climate Change Alliance

Building Climate Resilience through Local Adaptation Planning in Myanmar

climate change

Background

Myanmar was the second most affected country in the world by climate extreme events for the period 1999–2018. In 2008, Cyclone Nargis, which primarily affected the Ayeyarwaddy delta, killed around 138,000 people and cost over US$12 billion.

The project

Myanmar Climate Change Alliance (MCCA) supported communities in Labutta and Pakoku to become more resilient to cyclones, storms, and floods, which have become more frequent and severe due to climate change impact. MCCA involved communities to analyze the vulnerabilities and identified local adaptation actions to protect people from future calamities and economic loss. MCCA contributed in particular to the construction of a multi-purpose cyclone shelter and raised awareness on climate change, the importance of mangrove plantations, drainage improvement for flood protection and water harvesting, and also improved the skills of local people to build stronger and more resilient houses. This is a pilot project that is intended to be replicated in other communities and neighboring townships to prepare Myanmar for climate change impacts.

About the organization

MCCA was launched in 2013 to address the challenges posed by climate change in Myanmar and to bring climate change into the mainstream of Myanmar’s policy development and reform agenda.

Mangroves play an important role in protecting communities against cyclones, coastal erosion, and floods. However, 60% of mangroves have been destroyed in the delta in the last 20 years, mainly due to converting land for agriculture and fuel wood collection. MCCA supported the replantation of 10 acres of mangroves in Thin Gan Lay Village in the Labutta township of Myanmar.

Photo: MMCA

Climate change impact has increased the severity and frequency of extreme climate events such as floods, cyclones, and droughts, thus requiring more adaptation measures to protect the communities. MCCA supported the development of a cyclone shelter in one of the most risk-prone areas of Labutta township to provide adequate sheltering facilities and avoid casualties and injuries.

Photo: MMCA

Almost 85% of houses in Labutta and in many other rural communities are made of non-engineered materials (wood, bamboo, thatch, etc.) without adequate protection to cyclones, storms, and flooding. MCCA supported local carpenters to develop their skills in constructing disaster-resilient houses that may help protect the lives and houses of people during disasters.

Photo: MMCA