The effects of climate change such as increased frequency and intensity of droughts, floods and cyclones/strong winds are further reducing the capacity of forests in Myanmar to provide resources to local communities. In rural areas, agriculture – including livestock rearing and fishing – is the primary livelihood and is adversely affected by these climate-related hazards. Inadequate early warning systems for extreme weather events exacerbate the vulnerability of communities whose livelihoods are underpinned by functional, intact forests. Communities are unable to plan for and respond appropriately to climate change hazards. Furthermore, communities often do not have the capacity to respond appropriately to early extreme weather warnings.

To address the challenges described above, Least Developed Country Fund (LDCF) resources will be used to establish climate-resilient forestry, particularly through planning and implementing Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA), and strengthening the Early Warning System (EWS) in Myanmar. These measures will increase climate resilience of forests, and protect associated livelihoods and local communities that depend on these livelihoods. Within the LDCF project, scientific research and traditional knowledge will be used to integrate EbA measures into existing forest management and governance systems.