Myanmar

Myanmar is rich in natural resources, with a diverse climate ranging from coastal zones to mountainous regions. Agriculture, particularly rice and fisheries, is a key part of the country’s economy, providing livelihoods for over 60% of the population. The aquaculture sector is increasingly important, contributing to both food security and economic development.

However, water resource management is a critical challenge, with increasing pressures on water quality and availability due to climate change and unsustainable practices. Given Myanmar’s vast aquatic resources, sustainable aquaculture expansion presents both opportunities and risks that must be carefully managed to ensure long-term economic growth and nutrition improvements.

IWMI in Myanmar

IWMI’s focal areas in Myanmar are in advancing sustainable aquaculture and improving water resource management for food security and livelihoods. Through the Fish for Livelihoods (SAIL) project, IWMI researchers are investigating the constraints, risks, and opportunities related to small-scale aquaculture, particularly in terms of water resource availability and quality. The Aquaculture Decision Support Tool (Aqua-DST) helps identify priority areas for aquatic food production, particularly in the Upper Ayeyarwady River region, providing data-driven insights for more effective decision-making.

Additionally, the CGIAR Initiative on Aquatic Foods aims to enhance the resilience of aquatic food systems by scaling research and innovations that benefit both people and the environment. By combining data-driven decision support tools with targeted research, IWMI’s efforts are collaborating with local stakeholders in Myanmar to build a more sustainable, resilient aquaculture sector while improving nutrition and supporting local communities.

Country representative

Mark Dubois

Mark Dubois

Country Representative – Lao PDR

Projects in Myanmar

Latest Myanmar news

Sustainable fish farming in Myanmar gets a smart boost

Deployed across 170 townships, IWMI’s Aqua Decision Support Tool guides policymakers and farmers towards climate-resilient, profitable aquaculture in Myanmar …

Dashboard to improve decision making on aquaculture expansion in Myanmar

The Aquaculture Decision Support Tool shows climate hazards, suitability, land use and waterbodies, and supply and demand conditions …

The unique challenge of implementing anticipatory action in refugee and IDP hosting communities 

Creating measures that balance the needs of refugees and local populations during disaster preparedness presents a complex issue …

Mapping Myanmar’s water resources is key to developing sustainable aquaculture and improving nutrition

IWMI’s work will help to ensure that future investments in aquaculture in Myanmar will be sustainable, and able to boost rural livelihoods and nutrition as climate change takes hold …
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Latest Myanmar publications

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Tool

Aquaculture Decision Support Tool: Dashboard Visualisation Viewer

International Water Management Institute | December 30th, 2024
Win, Shelly; Buisson, Marie-Charlotte; Moet, Palal; Soe, Khin; de Silva, Sanjiv; Akester, Michael; Dubois, Mark
Open Access
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Brief

Decision support tool for sustainable aquaculture development (Aqua-DST) – a case study in the Upper Myanmar

International Water Management Institute | December 30th, 2024
Win, Shelly; Linn, Htet Htet; Buisson, Marie-Charlotte; Akester, M.; Soe, K. M.; Oo, A. N.; de Silva, Sanjiv; U, Phay Ko; Moet, Palal Moet
Open Access
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Brief

Policy coherence and migration complexity: a review of migration policy literature in Southeast Asia

International Water Management Institute | November 29th, 2024
Singh, Radhika; Nicol, Alan; Dubois, Mark
Open Access