Water, Food, Energy Security as a Major Contributing Constituent for Sustainable National Development

After distributing the news in the local newspaper, 60 participants from 17 different Government organizations and 17 participants from the NGOs including other social organizations and 10 participants from the Media/Journalists, joined together in International Business Center, Myanmar on 30^th August 2012.

Myanmar is the agro base country with growing economy, and the promotion of economy is challenged by climate change in all sectors. Impacts of population growth and sufficient food security is demanding to expand the land use for agriculture. For the livelihoods, not only food but also water and energy are also required. This dialogue aims to understand the inter-linkages between water, energy and food sectors as well as the influence of trade, investment and climate policies.

Mr. U Hoke San, a soil and water management consultant presenting in the dialogue about Land Use Planning and Management for Water – Food – Energy Security. He said that “Myanmar had abundant water resources but residents in some areas of the country still faced water shortages. I hope there will be no water shortages in those areas if we can utilize water resources with the IWRM approach and there will be more potential for the hydropower sector”.

With cooperation in government sector to achieve its sustainable development goals and to reduce the poverty elevation and water food energy sectors are important linkages with the sustainable growth of the country.

Dr. Khin Ni Ni Thein, GEGG Convening Group Member, Green Economy and Green Growth, Founder and President, Water Research and Training Centre (WRTC), believed that “Water is a life system, a finite resources and a building block for green economy. Water in another forms are food and energy.  She also added, “The government of Myanmar wishes to make Green Economy and Green Growth (GEGG) as a national policy”.

Greater awareness have been achieved among all participation in the dialogue, collaboration and coordination among the government organizations and the NGOs, social organizations and the stakeholders from the grass root levels need active public participation in these activities. National perspectives have to guide efforts to develop, conserve, utilize and manage these important water resources food and energy in a sustainable manner. Holistic rather than sectoral approach and IWRM concept with participatory and partnership will become secure sustainability for the country.

Media from local newspaper, radio, television, and online media are invited to share the news regarding the needs of Smart water management needed for sustainable development.