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The NGO situation in Myanmar has not been studied separately and the content of this country report is based on one report and notes from RETA 5771 team-members only.
Only a few international NGOs are operating in Myanmar, and most of them have emerged during the 90’s. They are mainly working with health matters, although some are dealing with natural resources. Local organisations, many with a religious background, are plentiful, and deal with issues concerning health, education and community development. The concept of NGOs is new and not yet clearly understood. No legislation exists.
Although legislation is lacking, there are some regulations governing the work of the NGOs. Before involving themselves in activities the statues of the local NGOs have to be approved by the Minister of respective line Ministry.
All NGOs of international standing have to get permission from the Higher State Administrative Organ to work in the country and, also, they have to inform the National Intelligence Bureau and the district authorities to get permission for in-country travel.
International NGOs from countries such as the Netherlands, the United States, Switzerland, France, Japan and the United Kingdom are working in Myanmar. E.g. Care, Oxfam, Action Contre la Faim, Save the Children, Food for the Hungry, and several other international NGOs are involved in poverty alleviation through projects aimed at increasing production of food crops, better health and education. They are also involved in strengthening the capacity of local organisations. Most of them have started operations after 1992.
The NGOs work through the government system and co-operate with village based organisations such as FIGG, WIGG, VRMC as do the UNDP/FAO-funded projects like Environmentally Sustainable Food Security and Micro-income Opportunities in the Critical Watersheds (Southern Shan State), and Environmentally Sustainable Food Security and Micro-income Opportunities in the Ayarwaddy (Mangrove delta).
Four Japanese NGOs connected with forestry are particularly active in the Dry Zone Greening Districts with reforestation activities. These are the Japanese International Forest Promotion and Co-operation Centre (JIFRO), Japanese Overseas Forestry Consultant Association (JOEFCA), Japanese Forest Technical Association (JAFTA), and Myanmar Yumiyuri Shinbun Plantation project
Several NGOs and institutions have been and are assisting biodiversity conservation and protected area management. Some of them are:
World Conservation Society (WCS). Formerly Bronx Zoo.
The country Co-ordination Office is based in the country. Activities: Expedition to Kha-Ka-po-ra-zi and feasibility study for the establishment of Nature reserve. Status survey on large mammals. Tiger status survey and the study on elephant range establishment. Granting of small assistance for the in-depth study of selected wildlife species.
Smithsonian Institution (SI)
No country co-ordination office. However, small package of grants has been given and a few intakes have been given and a few intakes of trainees have been accepted in SI Washington DC.
Agro-Forestry Training Centre (OISCA)
Dry zone. Agricultural-oriented training given at Pakangyi
Karamosia Project
Assistance more in nature of agriculture and livestock raising, e.g. ducks together with paddy cultivation
Japanese International Co-operation Agency (JICA)
It is a branch under the roof of the Japanese Embassy. Provides grants for infrastructural development, material and equipment assistance and services of experts. In the Afetrare Phase, CFDTC/JICA might be involved in the afforestation activities in the area, assigned in the dry zone.
Other organisations that have supported the work of WNCD (Wildlife and Nature Conservation Division) include: California Academy of Science, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, and Global Tiger Forum. From 1981 to 1984, a programme called the Nature conservation and National Parks project was supported by FAO and UNDP. In recent years, IUCN’s Asian Elephant Specialist Group has held courses for in-service staff in census methods and elephant biology, as has also the Asian Rhinoceros Specialist Group. WWF has raised funds for staff capacity building.
The Forest department itself is participating with RETA 5771, and it is believed that the Government would not restrict NGOs participation in the RETA project.
Encouraged by the Government, the organisations and activities of a number of government- related NGOs have developed considerably since 1991. Like in the neighbouring countries of Thailand and Cambodia many of them are affiliated with various religious groups. They work in sectors such as health, education, literacy, youth activities, orphans, community development and street children.
Some local organisations, of which not all qualify as NGOs in strict sense, can especially be mentioned. These are:
FREDA is a Semi-official NGO approved by the Ministry of Forestry, and formed by retired personnel from the Forest Department of the Ministry of Forestry, Myanma Timber Enterprise (MTE), and some timber traders. Most of the members are absentees and only a handful of them are running the Yangon based FREDA office. A good number of members are trained in forestry, particularly the retirees from the FD and MTE. They have participated in seminars, training courses and study tours. FREDA is working in close relationship with Japanese NGOs, which have assisted with funding to support wildlife research.
FIGG and WIGG have been established by UNDP/FAO funded projects in the watershed areas and the delta and are working at village level for income generation of the group members comprising of villagers and village communities.
Among those with programmes directly addressing the needs of children and women are the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS), the Myanmar Medical Association (MMA), and the Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association (MMCWA).
The MMA’s research and workshop agenda regularly covers a number of public health concerns relating directly to maternal and child health. The MMCWA is in the process of establishing branches in virtually all townships of the country, and of building its capacity to exercise national, state and division leadership, and to formulate and implement effective programmes. The MMCWA works with townships Medical Officers under the Ministry of Health to manage the premises of many Maternal and Child Health Centres. Much of the MMCWA’s work depends on the interest and initiative of local chapters. NGOs for nurses, dentists and health assistance are also active in the field of health. (UNICEF)
A small number of international NGOs and a growing number of local organisations, more or less linked to Government, have emerged after 1992. They are mainly working in the traditional NGO fields of health and education, although natural resources management plays and important role.
The relationship between the Government and the NGO community is unclear. Should RETA 5771 implement a project in Myanmar, a dialogue on the development context is needed. This should include all stakeholders. Furthermore an assessment of organisations and suitable counterparts need to be carried out as part of the second planning phase.