PR: Launching of an environmental management web portal for cleaner production in Myanmar

Yangon, 27th January - A dedicated portal on Environmental Management providing information on green and clean production practices for food and beverage (F&B) businesses was launched today, as a part of the EU-funded Tha Bar Wa project. It is hosted as a section of Myanmar Food Processers and Exporters Association (MFPEA) website.

Under the Environmental Management portal, the interested businesses can learn more about benefits of clean and environmental friendly production practices, information on environmental regulations and examples of waste water treatment and energy efficiency solutions.  Further, they will find contacts of suppliers providing green solutions and consultants who can advise and support businesses on green solutions and investments. Likewise, there is a section on green finance which can support the businesses to access financial services from a list of selected banks who are affiliated to the Tha Bar Wa project. Overall, the portal provides detailed information on cleaner production, wastewater treatment plants, energy efficiency and green finance and requirement on such applications. 

“This newly launched portal [Environmental Management] helps the businesses to understand what are environmental friendly management practices in business, how these practices look like, provides examples of such practices and helps you to find relevant consultant/experts to implement it ” U Sein Thaung Oo, Vice Chairman of MFPEA said.

60% of companies in Myanmar are in F&B sector and less than 5% of them have functioning wastewater treatment system. 

 “With the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, it reminds us how important is for all of us to protect our environment and its natural resources. Hence, enhancing information and knowledge on environmental friendly practices creates opportunities for business to grow, save money and become responsible. WWF believes that this effort from the project will help SMEs opt for greener solutions” Mr. Ujjwal Pokhral, Sustainable Production Manager of Tha Bar Wa Project said. 

Tha Bar Wa project has facilitated 5 wastewater treatment plant installation, 15 energy audits, trained more than 10 national consultants, provided training to more than 185 SMEs on clean and green practices and working with 4 major partner banks and the Responsible Business Fund (RBF) to facilitate green finance to SMEs. 

In addition to these support, Tha Bar Wa project is closely working with the Environmental Conservation Department (ECD) of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation (MoNREC) for effective Implementation of Environmental Management Plan (EMP) in the future. 

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Environmental Management website: https://mfpea.org/environmental-regulations/

About Tha Bar Wa
Tha Bar Wa is a four-year project funded by the European Union (EU) under the SWITCH-Asia Programme. In Myanmar the focus is on SMEs in the Food & Beverage (F&B) industry and is implemented through cooperation between the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Myanmar Food Processors and Exporters Association (MFPEA) and Savings Banks Foundation for International Cooperation (SBFIC). The project overall objective is to improve and demonstrate an enabling environment for cleaner production.The name “Tha Bar Wa” expresses a strong commitment to nature and the natural resources utilised by industries in order to operate. It signifies commitment to adopting operating processes whereby impact to the environment is minimised.  

About the European Union
Environment and Climate Action are an integral part of the European Union’s cooperation priorities. Actively working to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, the EU promotes ambitious climate action in multilateral fora and in its bilateral partnerships worldwide. The EU is a top provider of international climate finance to support developing countries in their efforts to tackle climate change.The EU promotes  sustainable  and  inclusive  growth,  contributes  to  economic  prosperity  and  poverty  reduction  a  transition towards low-carbon, resource-efficient and circular economy.Sustainable development is a cornerstone of the European Union engagement in Myanmar, with a longstanding commitment in funding projects focusing on plastic prevention, waste management and sustainable consumption and production in the garment and food and beverage sector.

About WWF
WWF is one of the largest and most respected independent conservation organisations, with more than five million supporters and a global network active in more than 100 countries. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world’s biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. WWF- Myanmar was established in 2014 and is working to conserve the country’s biodiversity and build a sustainable future for people and wildlife. To learn more about WWF activities, please visit www.wwf.org.mm.