Rights to Respect amidst the era of Climate Change: Regional Learning workshop on IP Women and Customary Land Tenure

Myanmar is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to climate change, with the threat of flooding, drought, cyclones, and changing rainfall patters threatening lives and livelihoods.1 Myanmar’s National Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (2017) outlines the major risks that Myanmar will face. Heavier rainfall and shorter monsoons increase the risk of landslides in the uplands and flooding along river basins. Changing rainfall patterns and drought threaten agriculture, most of which is rainfed. The risk of damage from more frequent and larger cyclones is compounded by mangrove deforestation across the coastline.

Across the world, all countries must make contributions to combating climate change. Every sector has a role to play in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, sequestering emissions, and adapting to the impacts of climate change. POINT has been working on climate change in Myanmar and internationally, with a focus on the role and contribution of Indigenous Peoples. This workshop is part of POINT’s ongoing research on the role of Indigenous women specifically, who are vulnerable to climate change impacts but also have important contributions to make both within their own communities and for global and international efforts.