MYANMAR

WWF MYANMAR IS
VISION
GROWTH
INFLUENCE
OPPORTUNITY
PARTNERSHIPS

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14
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48

Message from our

country director

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WWF-Myanmar has a vision, that

Myanmar will develop sustainably,
conserving its vast forests and diverse
wildlife for generations to come.

Myanmars development model is

following a Green Economy approach,
maintaining a high degree
of natural capital and biodiversity and
contributing to conserving the ecological
integrity of the Greater Mekong.
WWF-MYANMAR 2030 CONSERVATION VISION

This vision drives every aspect of our

work, from setting camera traps in the field
to supporting the government in assessing
their natural capital to engaging the private
sector in sustainable business initiatives.
The measure of our success in achieving
this vision will be the impact on our priority
species tigers, Asian elephants and
Irrawaddy dolphins and our priority
landscapes, the mountainous Dawna
Tenasserim and the majestic Ayeyarwady
River basin.
The status of these species and the health
of Myanmars natural capital will be WWFMyanmars lasting legacy and we need
your help to succeed. Myanmar has huge
potential, with an engaged government

and the chance to learn from others

mistakes. But as it undergoes dizzying
transformation, politically, economically
and socially, it also faces many challenges.
Decisions made today will affect the
generations of tomorrow. Never has WWF
been so critically positioned at such a
critical time.
We rarely get a second chance in
conservation, but Myanmar is Southeast
Asias second chance. Lets seize it while
we can. Together, we can help Myanmar
soar to new heights and show the world
how to prosper and stay green.
For nature, for people together it is
possible.
Christy Williams
Country Director, WWF-Myanmar

THE STATUS OF THESE SPECIES AND HEALTH OF MYANMARS

NATURAL CAPITAL WILL BE WWF-MYANMARS LASTING LEGACY.
5

PRIORITY PLACES

DAWNA TENASSERIM
LANDSCAPE
(DTL)
VISION:
1

Ecological integrity and ecosystem services

are protected, maintained and restored in
the northern Tanintharyi Region of the DTL,
including a formally agreed conservation
corridor harbouring flagship species and
providing connectivity between two major
forest blocks of the DTL

Deforestation within the DTL conservation

corridor is <0.7 percent annual loss

Adam Oswell / WWF-Myanmar

MYANMAR

A last great wilderness

DAWNA-TENASSERIM LANDSCAPE
(TANINTHARYI REGION, MON STATE, KAYIN STATE):

84,441.73 Km

2
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PRIORITY PLACES

AYEYARWADY
RIVER BASIN
VISION:
1

MYANMAR

413,710 Km
AYEYARWADY RIVER BASIN:

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Giving life from the Himalayan

foothills to the Delta

Ecological integrity and ecosystem

services of the Ayeyarwady River
are protected and restored through
integrated river basin management

TIGER

WWF-Myanmar / Min Zayar Oo

PRIORITY SPECIES
Panthera tigris
ENDANGERED

ASIAN
ELEPHANT

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Elephas maximus
ENDANGERED

VISION:
1

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Tiger population density in core areas of priority

Protected/Conservation Areas in the Myanmar
DTL is one individual per 100km2
Ungulate tiger prey occupancy is >0.5 in core
areas of priority Protected/Conservation Areas

VISION:
1

A minimum population of 350 adult elephants

is maintained in the Myanmar DTL

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PRIORITY SPECIES

IRRAWADDY
DOLPHIN
Orcaella brevirostris
VULNERABLE; AYEYARWADY RIVER
SUB-POPULATION CRITICALLY
ENDANGERED
VISION:
1

Critical habitats are secured

to maintain a population of
100 Irrawaddy dolphins in the
Ayeyarwady River

Tigers, elephants and Irrawaddy dolphins are

Myanmars natural heritage embedded in
culture and folklore.
Protecting these flagship species provide
momentum for raising awareness, action and
funds for broader conservation issues in short
save tigers, elephants and dolphins save so
much more.

naturepl.com / Roland Seitre / WWF

The measure of our conservation success will

be the impact we have on these species and the
unique places they call home.

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GROWTH
WILDLIFE

Natural
Capital

WILDLIFE & HABITATS

Forest

14

From small beginnings in 2014

our work has grown to
Wildlife

Energy
Freshwater

Sustainable
Business

GREEN ECONOMY

Green
Economy
Policy

Smart
Infrastructure
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WILDLIFE

HIGHLIGHTS

Our work is focusing on establishing

the presence and monitoring of
key species, including tigers and
elephants, identifying and supporting
priority habitats for protection, and
stopping the illegal wildlife trade.

FUTURE

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WWF-Myanmar / Christy Williams

Biodiversity surveys supported to form a

baseline across the region
Human Elephant Conflict (HEC) workshop
supported as part of the Myanmar
elephant conservation action plan
Further biodiversity surveys to identify
key areas of protection for tigers and
elephants
Elephant collaring project to inform
habitat protection and mitigate HEC
Illegal poaching and wildlife trade
awareness raising in local communities
Contributing to National Tiger Action Plan

Supporting establishment of wildlife
protection units and law enforcement
training

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 KWCI/WWF-Myanmar

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To survey an area for the first time is very exciting. Our partners, the
Karen Wildlife Conservation Initiative, found virtually all the species
we had hoped, showing theres a thriving ecosystem out there.
Paing Soe, Conservation Biologist

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Illegal Wildlife Trade

CLOSING MYANMARS
MARKETS
Myanmar is a transit country and a global hub for
the illegal wildlife trade, particularly on the borders
with neighbouring countries and especially in the
golden triangle. Golden triangle: border regions
between Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and China where
illegal trade thrives.

2020:

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WWF-Sweden/ Ola Jennersten

The trade in tiger, elephant and turtle products is

eliminated from at least two key wildlife trade markets
and linked border crossings e.g. Mong La, Tachilek,
Three Pagodas Pass

THESE ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE MARKETS NOT ONLY

THREATEN MYANMARS TIGERS AND ELEPHANTS BUT ALL OF
ITS BIODIVERSITY, FROM BEARS AND PANGOLINS TO ROSEWOOD
AND TEAK, DEPRIVING FUTURE GENERATIONS OF THEIR
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RIGHTFUL HERITAGE.

FRESHWATER

HIGHLIGHTS

The Ayeyarwady River is one of the worlds

most ecologically intact river basins, and its
Delta is among the worlds few remaining
deltas in a state of advance. To combat major
threats from hydropower and forest loss we
are working with partners to support the
development of an Integrated River Basin
Management approach.

FUTURE

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WWF-Myanmar / Stephen Kelly

Initial studies of the geomorphology of the

Ayeyarwady undertaken to understand
how future developments could threaten
ecological integrity
Supported demonstration of systemscale hydropower planning to promote
sustainable hydropower development in
Myanmar
Support identification of critical fish
spawning and migration areas, wetlands,
sediment flows and fresh water biodiversity
Assist government to account for the
importance of maintaining headwaters,
forest integrity, main stem of the river and
sustainable development in the Delta
Work to support sustainable management
practices to maintain the ecological
integrity of the Ayeyarwady and its
tributaries

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GREEN ECONOMY
POLICY

HIGHLIGHTS

Green Economy is about valuing nature and

ensuring inclusive and sustainable economic
development and decision-making.

We are working closely with the government

to support their Green Economy ambitions
and ensure a Green Economy approach is
adopted in key policies, development plans,
and economic decisions.

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WWF-Myanmar / Andre Malerba

FUTURE

Green Economy Policy Framework created

to increase sustainable public financing and
private investments
Direct technical assistance provided to
the government through office in the
Environmental Conservation Department
Green Economy Policy Framework
adopted by Cabinet and integrated
into development plans and policies

Green Economy policy is building

a framework that will ensure
more sustainable financing and
investments.
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SUSTAINABLE
FINANCING FOR
MYANMARS
ENVIRONMENT

The Ministry of Natural Resources and

Environmental Conservation (MONREC) has
asked WWF-Myanmar to provide technical
assistance to establish Myanmars Environmental
Management Fund which will secure sustainable
long term financing to manage the countrys
natural capital.

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Adam Oswell / WWF-Myanmar

An Environmental Management Fund for

Myanmar will allow us to implement long term
environmental conservation which will protect
this countrys natural heritage for generations
to come. We thank WWF for their support in
helping us establish this fund and look forward
to advancing this work in 2017.
U Hla Maung Thein, Director-General, Environmental Conservation
Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation

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NATURAL
CAPITAL

HIGHLIGHTS

Natural capital is the value

of nature and the benefits it
provides to people and wildlife.
3

FUTURE

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WWF-Myanmar / Min Zayar Oo

First ever national natural capital

assessment shows value and benefits of
Myanmars natural capital

Natural Connections report and website

www.myanmarnaturalcapital.org illustrates
how Myanmar depends on its natural capital
Human.Nature photography exhibition
brings together science and art to show
importance of nature to people
Support to Ministry of Planning and Finance
to capture environmental assets in national
accounting systems through training and
plans
Further assessment of natural capital to
support land use planning and conservation
priority areas
Technical training and pilot account on
forests to highlight links between the
environment and economy

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It is also the primary source of climate risk

information for a nationwide vulnerability
assessment and adaptation planning process
led by Myanmar Climate Change Alliance and
Environmental Conservation Department.

Cyclone Nargis
(left-after, right-before),
2008 which killed more
than 130,000 people.

NATURAL
CAPITAL AND
CLIMATE
CHANGE
NASA

This information was used in our natural capital

assessment and shows that one of the best ways
for a country to protect itself is to harness natures
defenses, from forests which reduce flooding to
protective coastal mangroves.

NASA

We have been working with partners to identify

climate trends and project future changes to
provide critical information on the climate risks to
Myanmars people and ecosystems.

Understanding the value

of nature is an important
step for any country, but
for Myanmar, ranked the
second most vulnerable
country to climate
change, it is essential.
Sai Nay Won Myint, Green
Economy Programme Officer

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SMART
INFRASTRUCTURE
Smart infrastructure aims to avoid,
minimise and mitigate the negative effects
of infrastructure development on people
and nature.
The development of the Dawei Road
through the DTL is putting smart
infrastructure in the spotlight.

HIGHLIGHTS
1

WWF-Myanmar / Min Zayar Oo

Aerial photographic expedition of DTL to capture changing

landscape around road
Roads Driving Deforestation study completed

FUTURE
1

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Reports presented to road developer and government

Continuing advocacy to minimise impact and accommodate

wildlife movement in Dawei Road design
Addressing infrastructure as a driver of deforestation and
supporting improvement of Environmental Impact Assessments/
Environmental Management Plans for all infrastructure projects

3535

 Adam Oswell / WWF-Myanmar

DAWEI
ROAD

SAW TAR KLAW

RESTAURANT OWNER
ALONG PROPOSED ROAD
proposed highway
existing road
existing/proposed
protected areas

The current dirt track will be widened and paved as the

road is developed. Land degradation is already being
seen along the route as the area opens up to illegal
logging, wildlife trade and mining.

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WWF-Myanmar / Min Zayar Oo

When the road comes,

I will have the only place
in the area where people
can stop to eat.

I used to get water from the

river to generate electricity
for my shop, but there is not as
much water anymore. I used
to get my drinking water from
the river, but now it is polluted
by the mines. I used to see
elephants near my store, but
that hardly happens anymore.

ROADS ARE PART OF DEVELOPMENT BUT THEY NEED TO

BE PLANNED AND CONSTRUCTED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT
NATURE AND SOCIETY. IF WELL-PLANNED, MANY OF THE
DEVASTATING EFFECTS CAN BE AVOIDED, BENEFITING US ALL.

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WWF-Myanmar / Christy Williams

ENERGY
Only 32 percent of households
in Myanmar have access to
electricity. For the country to
develop this electricity deficit
must be met the critical
question is how.

2030

100
ACCESS

FOR ALL

HIGHLIGHTS

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FUTURE

Energy choices will define Myanmars future. WWFs power sector

vision gives us the opportunity to shape the energy debate.

100
ENERGY 65

USD

2050

BILLION

DEMAND

INVESTMENT

SOURCES

IN MYANMAR

FOR RENEWABLE

MET BY ENERGY
RENEWABLE

Report:
Myanmars
Electricity Vision

Supporting
revision of
national
electricity
master plan

Earth Hour promoting

renewable electricity
and climate change

Building
support and
implementing
a major RE
investment
summit

Piloting
landscapelevel projects

Shoon So Oo, Renewable Energy Manager

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CURRENT ENERGY OUR RENEWABLE

MASTER PLAN
ENERGY VISION
NEGATIVE

SOCIAL IMPACT

VS

NEGATIVE

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

NEGATIVE

ENERGY EFFICIENT SOCIETY

NEUTRAL

JOB CREATION

NEGATIVE

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

NEGATIVE
NEUTRAL

IMPLEMENTATION SPEED

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CLIMATE MITIGATION

POSITIVE

SOCIAL IMPACT

POSITIVE

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

POSITIVE

ENERGY EFFICIENT SOCIETY

POSITIVE

JOB CREATION

POSITIVE

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

POSITIVE

CLIMATE MITIGATION

POSITIVE

IMPLEMENTATION SPEED

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SUSTAINABLE
BUSINESS

HIGHLIGHTS

FUTURE

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WWF-Myanmar / Min Zayar Oo

Myanmar is the fastest growing economy

globally and the need to engage with the
private sector has never been more critical.
Focusing on four sectors: food & beverage,
garment, rubber and finance, we have the
opportunity to ensure the business case
for biodiversity conservation is understood
and separate environmental footprints from
economic growth.

International workshop on natural rubber

sustainability
Multi-stakeholder water stewardship
working group launched
Banking ESG policy and training initiated
Myanmar bioenergy alliance formed;
developing financing mechanism for pilot
project

Launch sustainable rubber supply

chain project to separate rubber
production from deforestation
Support Myanmar banking sector
mainstream ESG issues
Using innovative financing
mechanism, stimulate domestic
capital towards investment in water
stewardship and renewable energy

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RUBBER

Rubber cultivation is driving deforestation and forest

degradation across Myanmar. We have a unique opportunity
to work with stakeholders to support sustainable rubber
production which will protect the ecological integrity of the
DTL, benefiting both indigenous communities and iconic
species such as tigers and Asian elephants.

227,646 acres

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WWF-Myanmar / Stephen Kelly

of forest converted to
rubber in southern Myanmar
since 2000

Sustainable rubber production can be a

win-win for nature and people. In November
we brought stakeholders together for an
international sustainable rubber workshop
to develop partnerships and seek solutions.
Than Myint Swe, Sustainable Agroforestry Officer

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WWF-Myanmar / Andre Malerba

FORESTS

Our forest work aims to reduce

deforestation rates in the DTL
priority areas. Partnerships with
local government, business,
communities and CSOs are
critical to our success.

HIGHLIGHTS

FUTURE

50

Adam Oswell / WWF-Myanmar

It is because of indigenous people that I appreciate the true meaning

of biodiversity. Ive seen how they strive to protect their traditional
territories. For every resource misuse, every species lost, they are the
first to be impacted.

Supporting community access rights,

tenure, management of natural
resources and livelihoods
Stakeholder analysis on drivers of
deforestation in Tanintharyi Region
Supporting first ICCA workshop in
Myanmar

Zero deforestation supply chain

commitments
Mapping of high value conservation
areas in the DTL

Land use planning

Community forest based enterprises

FSC promotion

Amalia Maling, Forest Project Manager

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 WWF-Myanmar / Mie Maung

COMMUNITY
FORESTS
Community Forestry
Agreements put ownership
of forests into the hands of
local communities.

Before we used shifting cultivation but then realized all the

animals and birds had gone. WWF arrived as we realized this
and offered support. We now know that nature was created not
just for consumption but also for conservation.
Mann Kyar Thein, Priest and founder of Kyeik Pi Lan village

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WWF-Myanmar / Mie Maung

WITH WWFS SUPPORT, COMMUNITIES MANAGE AND PROTECT

THEIR FORESTS WHICH IMPROVES LIVELIHOODS AND OTHER
ESSENTIAL FOREST BENEFITS.
THE FIRST WWF SUPPORTED COMMUNITY FORESTRY AGREEMENT
WAS AWARDED TO THE KYEIK PI LAN COMMUNITY FOREST USERS
GROUP IN THE DTL IN 2016.
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EDUCATION FOR
NATURE: EFN

The Russell E. Train Education for Nature

Program (EFN) provides financial support to
proven and potential conservation leaders
globally to gain the skills and knowledge
needed to address the conservation challenges
of their home countries. EFN has operated in
Myanmar since 2014.

Awards to date:

5FELLOWSHIP PROFESSIONAL
30 4WORKSHOP 1REFORESTATION
Win Maung Aye

GRANTS

IT IS INSPIRING THAT MR. RUSSELL E. TRAIN BELIEVED IN BUILDING LOCAL CAPACITY

FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT.
EVERYONE SUPPORTED THROUGH THE EFN PROGRAMME WILL BE A GREAT ASSET TO
MYANMARS CONSERVATION FUTURE.
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Win Maung Aye, Fellowship Awardee

FUTURE

DEVELOPMENT GRANTS
GRANTS
1

Fundraising to
support more
grantees

GRANT

Building conservation
capacity for ethnic
minorities across the
country
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WHY MYANMAR?
Myanmar is not only a country blessed with incredibly rich, diverse and pristine
nature, but its also a development frontier where we can demonstrate that
its possible to achieve economic growth and improve social standards while
respecting the environment. WWF is keen to support the government in building
a green, sustainable, economy that will benefit people and protect Myanmars
irreplaceable natural wealth.
Marco Lambertini, Director General, WWF International

Myanmar is the last treasure of abundant nature and wildlife in Southeast

Asia and has a historic chance to show that development does not have to
mean cutting down forests, damming rivers, killing wildlife and destroying
coastlines. WWF-Myanmar is showcasing holistic work on policies and in the
field, with local partners, government, business and media. WWF-Germany
is very proud to be part of this.
Eberhard Brand, CEO, WWF-Germany

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It is a rare opportunity to be involved at the start of a countrys conservation

journey. It comes as a tremendous privilege for WWF to help the Myanmar
government, local communities and partners invest in a green economy, seek
sustainable development and set aside protected areasall of which will be
fundamental to the future of Myanmars people and wildlife.
Carter Roberts, President and CEO, WWF-US

I have been personally attached to the Dawna Tenasserim Landscape since I

had the privilege of visiting the area in 2014. The biodiversity was stunning
and to find fresh tiger tracks and see a tiger on a camera trap photo was
inspiring. At the same time the ecological integrity of this area is under threat
and integrated spatial planning is vital for nature and people in the DTL.
Andrea Johanides, CEO, WWF-Austria

It is important that we, as part of a global organization, support the crucial

conservation efforts led by WWF-Myanmar. With the recent political reforms
bringing major economic growth, it is vital to protect the Dawna Tenasserim
Landscape, which holds such rich and inspiring biodiversity including tigers.
WWF-Belgium is committed to this.

Myanmar is not only home to invaluable natural resources, it is one of

the most exciting countries in the world today. WWF-Myanmar has in two
short years already established itself as a knowledgeable, respected actor
committed to protecting Myanmars natural heritage and encouraging green
growth that respects both people and nature.

Antoine Lebrun, CEO, WWF-Belgium

Hkan Wirtn, CEO, WWF-Sweden

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Center for Climate Systems Research

OUR
THANKS
GO TO
58

Smithsonian

59

MEASURING OUR
SUCCESS
Our work is monitored
and evaluated using
the following indicators
built around our priority
landscapes and species:

FOREST

SPECIES

RIVERS

LANDSCAPE

NATURAL CAPITAL IMPLEMENTATION

percentage of cover

population size

kilometres of roads

percentage of
fragmentation

prey density

percentage of
fragmentation

hectares impacted by mining

number of national level plans with

implementation

retreat rate

regulation index

number of restaurants /
markets selling illegal wildlife
products

number of landscape level plans with

implementation

number of key infrastructure

cancelled, prevented or
redesigned to minimise
impact

hectares under FSC

hectares under forest

community management

PARTNERING WITH COMMUNITIES & CSOS

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number of community based organisations established

percentage of capacity and sustainability assessment

number of CSO partnerships established

level of CSO conservation engagement

ENERGY

percentage of
national renewable
and sustainable
electricity

PROTECTED AREAS

ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE

number and size

number of management plans

endorsed

quality of management

number of key wildlife markets closed

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FINANCIALS

INCOME FOR WWF-MYANMAR (USD)

0
2,000,000

1,808,331

1,500,000
1,333,524

INCOME PIPELINE (USD)

1,000,000
637,896

500,000

3,000,000

220,466

188,870

FY14

FY15

273,986

FY16

2,680,564
2,438,462

2,250,000
1,500,000

1,465,693

7
750,000

EXPENSES FOR WWF-MYANMAR (USD)

1,600,000

683,397
603,128

FY17

478,000

FY18

FY19

1,275,542

1,200,000
800,000

566,066

596,363

400,000

62

8,513

FY14

47,921

FY15

304,243

WWF-NETWORK

PUBLIC SECTOR

FY16 (AUDITED)

63

WWF-Myanmar in numbers

65BN

2014
WWF-Myanmar opened

Investment in
renewable energy
by 2050

84,441 KM2
Area of the Dawna
Tenasserim Landscape
conserved by 2020

Why we are here.

To stop the degradation of the planets natural environment and
to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature.
wwf.org.mm

1986 Panda symbol WWF World Wide Fund For Nature (Formerly World Wildlife Fund) WWF is a WWF Registered Trademark.

2170 KM
Ayeyarwady River
remains free flowing