Myanmar faces a complex and challenging environment, marked by heightened vulnerability to natural hazards and the escalating impacts of climate change. These environmental challenges are further compounded by an ongoing humanitarian crisis that has deepened in recent years. As a country with diverse topography, Myanmar is exposed to a wide range of natural hazards, including heatwaves, floods, cyclones, and earthquakes, which have profound implications for shelter and settlements.

In the latest update to the Global Climate Risk Index (2021), Myanmar was identified as the second most affected country globally over the past two decades. This ranking reflects the frequency and severity of climate-related disasters that have struck the country, devastating communities and their living conditions. Recent events, such as Cyclone Mocha in May 2023, which affected over 3 million people, and the widespread flooding during the 2023 monsoon season, have exacerbated the already dire shelter and settlement challenges. With approximately 28 million people residing in high flood exposure risk zones, the evolving patterns of these hazards, driven by climate change, present an ever-growing threat to safe and sustainable shelter for Myanmar’s population.

The situation is further worsened by the ongoing humanitarian crisis, which has seen a significant deterioration in the second quarter of 2024 due to escalating armed conflict, the impact of Typhoon Yagi and floods, and overall economic and political instability. The resultant displacement crisis is severe, with 3.2 million people displaced from their homes by mid-2024, an increase of over 320,000 in just a few months. Many of these newly displaced individuals have been forced to seek refuge in temporary shelters and informal settlements, where the availability of secure, adequate, and sustainable housing is gravely insufficient. These conditions are exacerbated by restricted access to essential services, including health and education, in conflict-affected and remote areas, further highlighting the critical need for effective shelter and settlement interventions.

In this context, the challenge of providing safe and sustainable shelter is immense. The increasing frequency of natural disasters, combined with the ongoing displacement crisis, severely threatens the ability of vulnerable populations to secure adequate shelter. The deteriorating situation not only endangers lives but also significantly hinders long-term recovery and development efforts, making the need for resilient and environmentally sustainable shelter solutions more urgent than ever.

The Shelter/NFI/CCCM Cluster in Myanmar is dedicated to ensuring that individuals affected by conflict and natural disasters have access to safe, dignified, and appropriate living conditions, alongside essential services. Central to its mission is a commitment to environmental sustainability, recognizing the importance of minimizing the ecological impact of shelter and settlement interventions while protecting both vulnerable populations and their surrounding ecosystems.

To guide this effort, the Cluster’s Environmental Action Plan (EAP) for 2024 outlines a strategic approach for partners. The plan emphasizes sustainable shelter construction using eco-friendly materials and techniques, alongside integrating Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to enhance resilience. This framework ensures that humanitarian responses are not only effective in addressing immediate needs but also contribute to long-term environmental stewardship.

In light of Myanmar's growing environmental and humanitarian challenges, the Environmental Country Profile (ECP) is intended to support the Cluster Environmental Action Plan (EAP) efforts. By complementing the foundational principles established in the EAP, the ECP provides practical guidance, tools, and resources for Cluster partners to integrate environmental sustainability into shelter and settlement interventions effectively.

The ECP offers detailed insights into environmental considerations and impacts while identifying opportunities to implement environmentally responsible practices. This resource emphasizes harmonizing immediate humanitarian objectives with long-term environmental resilience.

Central to this profile is the inclusion of a checklist, aligned with Cluster's EAP goals, which facilitates the decision making process for integrating environmental considerations in all stages of project implementation. 

As a live resource, the Environmental Country Profile is updated regularly to adapt to evolving challenges and integrate new findings.

© WWF

Myanmar's environmental, land use, and resource management laws reflect its rich biodiversity and socio-political complexities. For shelter and settlement projects, adherence to these legal frameworks is crucial to ensuring environmental sustainability and compliance with both national and international standards.

The Environmental Country Profile highlights key laws like the National Environmental Policy (2019), Forest Law (2018), and Environmental Conservation Law (2012), which promote sustainable practices and ecosystem protection. Despite these laws' potential, challenges such as weak governance, enforcement issues, and overlapping land claims complicate their implementation, particularly in conflict-affected areas.

The profile underscores the need for inclusive decision-making involving local communities, women, and marginalized groups to achieve environmental justice and equitable resource management. It also stresses integrating climate resilience into humanitarian programs, as Myanmar faces intensifying climate change impacts and extreme weather events.

Environmental assessments are a critical component of sustainable humanitarian interventions, particularly in the shelter and settlement sectors. These assessments provide the necessary insights to understand the environmental impact of proposed activities, enabling partners to make informed decisions that minimize harm to local ecosystems and communities. In the context of Myanmar, where environmental degradation and climate change pose significant challenges, conducting thorough environmental assessments is essential for the success and sustainability of shelter and settlement projects.

A key resource available to partners is the NEAT+ tool (Nexus Environmental Assessment Tool), which has already been piloted in Myanmar. NEAT+ is designed to help humanitarian actors quickly and efficiently screen for potential environmental risks in their projects. By using this tool, partners can identify areas where their activities may have adverse environmental effects and develop strategies to mitigate these impacts. The tool has been successfully implemented by organizations like NRC, whose staff have been trained in its application, demonstrating its practical value in the field.

In addition to NEAT+, there are other environmental assessment tools that can be utilized to ensure comprehensive evaluations. These tools vary in scope and depth, allowing partners to choose the most appropriate method depending on the scale and nature of their project. For instance, some tools may focus on specific aspects such as water resource management, deforestation risks, or waste management, while others offer broader assessments that encompass multiple environmental factors.

For the purpose of the Environmental Country Profile, partners have gone beyond standard assessments by engaging directly with affected communities through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). These discussions have been instrumental in gathering firsthand information about how communities perceive environmental impacts in their region. Such community-driven data is invaluable as it not only highlights the environmental issues that matter most to the people on the ground but also reveals their needs, priorities, and interests.

Through these FGDs, partners have gained a deeper understanding of the local context, enabling them to tailor their interventions more effectively. This approach ensures that environmental assessments are not just top-down evaluations but are enriched with local knowledge and perspectives. By involving communities in the assessment process, partners can build trust, foster local ownership, and ensure that environmental mitigation strategies are aligned with the realities and expectations of the people they aim to support.

Incorporating environmental assessments into the planning and implementation phases of shelter and settlement projects is essential for minimizing environmental risks and promoting sustainable outcomes. Whether through the use of established tools like NEAT+ or by engaging with communities directly, these assessments form the foundation for environmentally responsible programming that meets both humanitarian needs and environmental objectives.

Overall, the integration of environmental assessments into humanitarian action in Myanmar ensures that interventions are both effective in addressing immediate needs and sustainable in protecting the environment for future generations. This comprehensive approach not only safeguards the natural resources on which communities depend but also enhances the resilience of these communities to ongoing and future environmental challenges.

©MRCS / IFRC Myanmar

Sustainable shelter construction is a cornerstone of environmentally responsible programming, and its importance in Myanmar's shelter and settlement sector cannot be overstated. This section presents best practices for green building techniques and the use of eco-friendly materials, drawing from both international guidelines and local field experiences. The promotion of shelter solutions that optimize the use of construction materials is critical, as it not only reduces environmental impact but also enhances the durability and resilience of the shelters themselves.

Key to this approach is the use of sustainably sourced construction materials, such as bamboo, earth, and other locally available resources that have minimal environmental footprints. Bamboo, for instance, is a rapidly renewable resource that offers strength and flexibility, making it an excellent material for constructing resilient shelters. Similarly, earth-based materials provide natural insulation and durability, which are essential for withstanding Myanmar's diverse climatic conditions. By choosing these materials, shelter programs can significantly reduce their reliance on timber and other resources that contribute to deforestation and environmental degradation.

Preventive design techniques also play a crucial role in optimizing the lifespan of materials used in shelter construction. By designing shelters that are better suited to the local environment, considering factors like wind resistance, rainwater drainage, and thermal efficiency, partners can ensure that structures last longer and require fewer repairs. This not only conserves materials but also enhances the overall resilience of the communities, as well-maintained shelters are better able to withstand the impacts of natural disasters and climate change.

In addition to technical solutions, this section emphasizes the importance of soft initiatives that foster community engagement and participation in shelter construction. Programs like the Participatory Approach for Safe Shelter Awareness (PASSA) are invaluable for involving communities in the decision-making process. PASSA and similar community-led approaches encourage local ownership of shelter projects, which is crucial for building community resilience and self-recovery capacity. By empowering community members to take an active role in planning, designing, and constructing their own shelters, these initiatives help to ensure that the solutions are culturally appropriate, sustainable, and tailored to the specific needs of the community.

Community involvement also fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, which is vital for the long-term maintenance and sustainability of shelter solutions. When communities are directly engaged in the construction process, they are more likely to invest in the upkeep of their shelters and apply the skills they have learned to future projects. This contributes to a cycle of resilience, where communities become more capable of self-recovery and better prepared to face environmental challenges.

This section also highlights successful case studies, ongoing initiatives, and the availability of locally sourced, low-impact materials. Partners will find practical advice on reducing waste, incorporating circular economy principles, and promoting recycling and repurposing during construction. By integrating these practices into their shelter programs, partners can develop interventions that not only meet immediate needs but also contribute to the long-term environmental and social sustainability of the communities they serve.

© Housing Now

Strategic site planning is crucial for creating resilient settlements capable of withstanding Myanmar's environmental and climatic challenges. Poorly planned settlements are often highly vulnerable to natural disasters like floods, landslides, and cyclones, which can have devastating impacts on communities. To enhance the safety, sustainability, and resilience of these settlements, it is essential to integrate disaster risk reduction (DRR) principles into both site selection and settlement design.

Resilient site planning starts with the careful selection of settlement locations. This involves assessing geographical stability to avoid areas prone to natural disasters, ensuring proximity to essential resources such as clean water, healthcare, and food supplies, and protecting environmentally sensitive zones like wetlands and mangroves. Effective land use planning is key to balancing the needs of settlements with environmental conservation, preventing development from compromising ecological integrity.

Infrastructure planning plays a pivotal role in the resilience of settlements. Proper drainage systems are particularly important to prevent flooding, a common threat in many areas of Myanmar. Well-designed drainage systems help manage excess water during heavy rains, reducing the risk of floods that could damage homes and infrastructure. Additionally, water management systems that provide clean water and effective sanitation facilities are vital for preventing waterborne diseases and maintaining a healthy living environment.

Reliable access to sustainable energy sources, such as solar power, is another critical aspect of resilient site planning, ensuring that the community's energy needs are met in an environmentally friendly manner. Well-planned transportation networks are also essential, providing safe and accessible routes for movement and evacuation during emergencies.

Incorporating DRR measures into site planning is essential for reducing the impact of natural disasters. For example, elevated structures can protect shelters in flood-prone areas, while wind-resistant designs can help buildings withstand high winds and heavy rains. Early warning systems are also crucial for timely communication and preparation, enabling communities to respond effectively to impending disasters.

In the context of camps, which are temporary settlements for displaced people, it is vital to prioritize safety, dignity, and access to essential services. Camps should be designed with proper drainage systems, safe living conditions, and security measures to protect inhabitants from various risks, including violence and environmental hazards. Ensuring clear agreements with landowners and local authorities is also necessary to secure the camp's location and plan for its various phases, from establishment to closure.

Conducting thorough site assessments is fundamental to successful site planning. Experienced site planners must gather information from multiple sources, including local authorities and host communities, to determine whether a site is suitable for a settlement or camp. This assessment helps estimate the site's capacity and ensures that it can meet the needs of its inhabitants while minimizing environmental risks.

Ultimately, site planning for resilient settlements is about making informed decisions that reduce environmental hazards and enhance the long-term sustainability of communities. By following these principles, humanitarian actors can help create settlements that not only address immediate needs but also contribute to the resilience and well-being of Myanmar’s vulnerable populations.

In humanitarian responses, the selection and distribution of Non-Food Items (NFIs) play a crucial role in meeting the immediate needs of affected populations. However, the environmental impact of these items must be carefully considered to ensure that short-term relief does not lead to long-term environmental degradation. The selection of NFIs should prioritize quality and sustainability, with a focus on the origin and material of each item. Understanding the carbon footprint associated with the production, transportation, and disposal of NFIs is essential in minimizing their overall environmental impact.

One of the key strategies for reducing the environmental footprint of NFIs is to extend the lifespan of the items distributed. Durable, high-quality items reduce the frequency of replacement, leading to less waste and a lower demand for resources. Additionally, finding ways to reuse or repurpose distributed items, particularly plastics, can significantly mitigate the pollution and degradation typically associated with discarded NFIs. Encouraging the repair, recycling, and repurposing of items within the community not only reduces waste but also fosters a culture of sustainability.

The selection of context-appropriate items is another critical aspect of sustainable NFI distribution. Providing items that are well-suited to the local environment and needs of the population ensures greater efficiency and effectiveness, thereby reducing unnecessary waste and environmental impact. For example, distributing cooking utensils and shelter materials that align with local customs and climatic conditions not only meets immediate needs but also reduces the likelihood of items being discarded due to unsuitability.

Moreover, there is a growing need to find alternatives to conventional NFIs, especially those made from non-biodegradable materials like certain plastics. Exploring locally made items as substitutes not only supports the local economy but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods from distant locations. This approach can lead to the creation of new income-generating activities, promoting economic growth within affected populations while simultaneously serving their immediate needs. For example, local artisans could produce sustainable, culturally appropriate shelter materials or household items, providing a source of income while contributing to the humanitarian effort.

The integration of circular economy principles into NFI programming can further enhance sustainability. This involves designing systems where products and materials are kept in use for as long as possible, extracting maximum value from them before recovering and regenerating materials at the end of their life cycle. Encouraging the collection and recycling of plastic NFIs within communities, for instance, not only addresses waste management challenges but also creates opportunities for local entrepreneurship.

In summary, the approach to NFIs must go beyond merely addressing the immediate needs of affected populations. By selecting sustainable, high-quality items that are appropriate for the context, and by fostering strategies for reuse, recycling, and local production, humanitarian actors can minimize the environmental impact of their interventions while supporting the resilience and economic growth of the communities they serve. This holistic approach ensures that NFI distribution contributes not only to immediate relief but also to long-term sustainability and community empowerment.

Efficient energy use and sustainable fuel sourcing are crucial for reducing the environmental footprint of shelter and settlement operations in Myanmar. Given the significant environmental challenges, such as deforestation and air pollution, that arise from traditional energy practices, it is imperative to explore and implement more sustainable solutions. This section provides comprehensive guidance on energy-saving technologies, renewable energy options, fuel alternatives, and best practices for managing energy use within the context of humanitarian interventions.

One of the key strategies for optimizing energy use in shelters is the incorporation of passive shelter designs. These designs focus on maximizing natural light, ventilation, and insulation to reduce the need for artificial heating, cooling, and lighting. By taking advantage of the local climate and environmental conditions, passive designs can significantly decrease energy consumption, leading to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Simple measures such as orienting buildings to capture sunlight during cooler months or using materials with high thermal mass to maintain indoor temperatures can have a substantial impact on energy efficiency.

In addition to passive design strategies, the adoption of renewable energy sources is essential for minimizing the reliance on fossil fuels and reducing the environmental impact of energy consumption in settlements. Solar power, in particular, is a viable option in many parts of Myanmar, where sunlight is abundant. Solar panels can be used to generate electricity for lighting, water heating, and even powering small appliances, providing a clean and sustainable energy solution for shelters and communal facilities.

However, energy efficiency extends beyond just shelter design and renewable energy. The choice of cooking fuel and technologies also plays a critical role in reducing environmental degradation. Traditional cooking methods, such as the use of open fires and inefficient stoves, rely heavily on firewood and charcoal, leading to deforestation and air pollution. The collection of firewood, often used for making charcoal, exacerbates deforestation and contributes to land degradation.

To address these issues, the promotion of efficient stoves is vital. These stoves are designed to use less fuel while producing the same or even more heat than traditional methods. By adopting efficient stoves, communities can reduce their reliance on firewood and charcoal, thereby alleviating the pressure on local forests. Moreover, these stoves contribute to better indoor air quality, reducing the health risks associated with smoke inhalation.

Beyond improving stove efficiency, exploring sustainable alternatives to traditional charcoal is another critical area of focus. Bamboo charcoal, for instance, is an emerging option that offers a more sustainable source of fuel. Bamboo grows rapidly and can be harvested without causing significant environmental damage, making it a renewable resource. By promoting bamboo charcoal, humanitarian partners can help reduce the demand for wood-based charcoal, thus mitigating deforestation and its associated impacts.

Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) leverage natural processes and ecosystems to tackle environmental and social challenges, offering sustainable strategies for humanitarian interventions. In Myanmar, NBS can greatly enhance the resilience and sustainability of Shelter, NFI, and CCCM initiatives by integrating ecosystem services, such as reforestation and mangrove restoration, into their approaches.

Key practices include using sustainable materials like bamboo for shelter construction and NFIs, promoting reforestation to restore biodiversity, and employing green infrastructure to mitigate climate risks. The benefits of NBS extend to reducing environmental impacts, enhancing local economies through sustainable livelihoods, and supporting long-term community well-being.

The Shelter/NFI/CCCM Cluster in Myanmar is actively working to enhance environmental sustainability in humanitarian operations through targeted capacity development initiatives. These efforts emphasize collaboration with organizations like WWF, UNEP, and Thant Myanmar, which bring valuable expertise to projects such as reforestation, mangrove restoration, and sustainable materials sourcing. The Cluster's Environmental Action Plan (EAP) provides a strategic framework to prioritize sustainable practices in shelter and settlement activities, integrating tools like environmental screenings and Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to mitigate environmental risks.

In 2024, a training session conducted in partnership with WWF Myanmar marked significant progress in these efforts. Participants gained practical insights into Environmental Impact Assessments, sustainable construction materials, and climate-resilient strategies. This event also highlighted existing gaps in technical capacity, sparking a commitment to ongoing training and stronger partnerships with environmental agencies.

By fostering peer-to-peer learning, expanding technical knowledge, and embedding sustainability into everyday practices, the Cluster is aligning humanitarian interventions with long-term environmental protection goals, ensuring resilience and sustainability for communities in Myanmar.

In Myanmar, humanitarian donors are increasingly prioritizing environmental considerations in Shelter, NFI, and CCCM programs. This emphasis stems from the country's ecological vulnerability and the ongoing conflict and displacement, which necessitate sustainable approaches to ensure the long-term resilience of communities.

Key donors like DG ECHO and USAID are driving this shift by incorporating environmental sustainability requirements into their funding guidelines. These include conducting environmental screenings, using sustainable materials, and integrating Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) strategies into shelter projects. The use of Nature-Based Solutions, such as reforestation and mangrove restoration, is also being promoted to mitigate environmental degradation.

For Shelter Cluster partners, advocating for environmentally sustainable projects is crucial, particularly by aligning proposals with donor priorities and Myanmar’s Shelter/NFI/CCCM Environmental Action Plan (EAP). The EAP serves as a vital tool for partners, guiding their efforts to secure funding and implement eco-friendly practices. Collaboration within the Cluster and with local communities further strengthens advocacy efforts, fostering a collective push for long-term sustainability in humanitarian interventions.

Thank you very much!