Building Myanmar Climate Strategy Through Protecting Indigenous Lands

Abstract

This research analyses important gaps in Myanmar's policy regarding indigenous land rights and conservation efforts and provides specific recommendations for addressing these gaps. It studies the development of indigenous land-related policies in Myanmar from 2011 to the present through a thorough analysis of policy documents, government reports, and legislative frameworks. The analysis is based on the principles of climate justice. Inspired by the Philippines' achievements in integrating conservation efforts with indigenous land rights and initiatives like the Salween Peace Park in Myanmar, this study seeks to draw lessons from comparable experiences. This study reveals that Myanmar's failure to formally recognize indigenous peoples is in direct contradiction to the objective of "Building Myanmar Climate Strategy Through Protecting Indigenous Lands." As a result, these communities are being denied basic rights outlined in international standards, such as the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples(UNDRIP). Unlike other countries in the region, like the Philippines, Myanmar lacks legal safeguards to protect indigenous communities from forced relocation and encroachment on their lands. Additionally, national conservation strategies in Myanmar overlook the crucial role that indigenous communities play in preserving biodiversity within Indigenous and Community Conserved Areas (ICCAs). To address these issues, the study proposes the legal recognition of ICCAs, CADC, CADT, and the development of policies aligned with international human rights standards. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of incorporating the principles of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) into land-use decision-making processes. This will guarantee that indigenous voices are effectively considered and incorporated into decisions about resource management. To protect indigenous rights and promote sustainable land management practices, Myanmar can move towards a more equitable and inclusive approach to land tenure and conservation by addressing these gaps and implementing the suggested changes.