Economics, Trade and Incentive Measures

 
Submission
ID 111939
Submitting Entity Asian Development Bank
 
Main Information
Title Achieving Environmental Sustainability in Myanmar
Description Myanmar’s long isolation from international markets and sources of finance historically limited development, and thus, the pressure on its environment. Many of its resources remain relatively intact, despite an absence of effective environmental regulations. Yet, as the country integrates into the global economy and its economic development accelerates, resource degradation is rising rapidly. Deforestation of closed forests in recent years has taken place at the fastest rate among major Southeast Asian countries, much of it driven by concessions for plantations and other large-scale projects. Marine capture fishing pressure has increased rapidly, and the sustainability of catches is largely unknown. Water and air pollution effluents and emissions are escalating. At the same time, policy responses to date, while emphasizing overall sustainability, need to be developed to address these issues. Environmental impact assessment procedures, environmental quality standards, emissions regulations, and penalties for environmental violations remain under development. Perverse incentives for resource destruction are still in place and efforts to create market incentives for sustainable practices are at an initial stage. To ensure long-run, sustainable economic development, Myanmar’s reforms need to address these issues more quickly and comprehensively.
Web Link /doc/case-studies/inc/cs-inc-myanmar.pdf
 
Additional Information
Countries Myanmar
Regions Asia and the Pacific
Incentive Measures Reform of Perverse Incentives
Indirect Incentives (property rights, market creation)
Regulations / Access Restrictions
Keywords Deforestation
Environmental protection
Pollution control
Climate change
Natural resources
Policies