Water & Climate Change: Dialogue Organized By WaterAid Myanmar

As the pre-event of World Water Day, Dialogue on ‘’Water and climate change: what experts are thinking’’, took place in Yangon on Tuesday.

The event was organized by WaterAid Myanmar with the participants of officials from the Health Associations, NGOs, community representatives from rural areas in the arid zone of Myanmar and other relevant organizations.

The talks focused on the impacts of climate change on the water resources, challenges in Myanmar and how to solve the problems on this issue.

According to the 2004 and 2005 data analysis, the water resource management is one of the challenges in Myanmar. And also the extreme use of underground water in the main cities like Yangon and Mandalay is one of the challenges about water resources, the founder of ECODEV/ALARM said at the event.

ECODEV/ALARM, Founder, Win Myo Thu said “Generally, Myanmar can be assumed that there are plenty of water resources according to the amount of rainfalls and water inflow. But the amount of water inflow is not equal one region from another. Especially, upper region may face more water scarcity and we are facing now deforestation and climate change. We will discuss about these challenges and how we can support with technologies to make solutions in regions.”

The event will help to raise awareness among the people, civil society organizations and water organizations and also share knowledge on the importance of fresh and clean drinking water for the people.

Country Director, WaterAid, Shihab Uddin Ahamad said “If you look at the delta in Myanmar, 80 % of the delta area, the people use the ground water. 20% use the rain mostly the down part like Bogalay, Pyapon but if you go to Hinthada or Zalun or on this area is more they use ground water. And if the sea level rises, the more saline water comes. It will affect lot about ground water and especially to making the fresh water.”

The follow-up impacts of water scarcity on health, social, business and other issues were presented by the community representatives from upper region. A video clip in the topic of “Water is Life” in which the speaking of villagers who are facing scarcity of water and the needs and difficulties.   

The World Water Day is designated every 22nd March and it has been held since 1993 annually.