Natural Resources

Governments and corporations are driving the demand for water, land and organic resources of all kinds as never before. Citizens are fighting for their rights and working to preserve their livelihoods. Our study "Tricky Business" shows how the mechanisms of expropriation work.

In March 2014 a conference was held to show the outcome of the capacity building program on Participatory and Indigenous Natural Resource Management.

At least since the “energy-protests” of May 2012, Myanmar’s strategy of exporting energy to its neighboring countries came under heavy criticism by its own population. Yet while the contested Myitsone hydropower dam on the confluence of the Irrawaddy River was suspended by President Thein Sein due to public pressure, several other big hydropower dams are still being under construction on the Salween River in Myanmar’s eastern border areas with the support of Thai investors.

During the 3rd International Conference on International Relations and Development (ICIRD 2013) entitled “Beyond Borders: Building a Regional Commons in Southeast Asia”which took place on 21-23 August 2013 at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand the Heinrich Böll Stiftung (hbs) organized a workshop on Indigenous Peoples’ natural resource management and the creativity of Indigenous Knowledge and the Natural Commons.

To highlight the importance of Indigenous Knowledge with regards to Natural Resource Management and Empower Indigenous People and grassroots for sustainable development by making people aware of their natural resource rights, of both legal and customary frameworks hbs together with EcoDev/Alarm has developed a Training of Trainers (ToT) Program on Participatory Indigenous Natural Resource Management.

Myanmar’s progress since the 2010 general elections has been astounding, with political transition greatly encouraging citizens and international diplomatic and investment communities. The diplomatic climate for Myanmar has changed dramatically as a result and sanctions have been eased progressively. Not surprisingly, many international investors have cast their eyes on Myanmar’s abundant natural resources for commercial exploitation.

As part of the first publication of the series Perspectives Asia, Nwet Kay Khine reflects on the impacts of protest and local opposition against a copper mine which turned into a national movement with international impacts especially for Chinese investors. Using the Letbadaung mining project as an example, the instability of Chinese commercial interests in Myanmar is examined

In February 2013 Partnerships for International Strategies in Asia (PISA), Yangon-based NGO ALARM, and Heinrich Böll Stiftung Southeast Asia joined forces to offer a week-long Myanmar Climate Change Leadership Institute (MLICC) in Naypyitaw, Myanmar.