Abstract
This study focuses on the perspectives of individuals actively engaged in or frequently participated in the formulation process to understand whether the process of formulating the Forest and Other Land Use (FOLU) sector – a key mitigation component of Myanmar’s 2020 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) – can lead to actionable targets that ultimately contribute to global temperature goals of the Paris Agreement. The conceptual framework for this study draws from the fact highlighted by previous scholars that policy formulation or design is a crucial step in policy cycle, influencing both the implementation phase and the outcomes of policies. We conducted semi-structured individual interviews with 11 participants. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using the open-coding method, which led to the emergence of three themes: (a) national context, (b) capacity and authority and (c) inclusive communication. The findings of this study indicate that the conceptual framing of ideas aimed at enhancing the FOLU sector is linked to the existing socio-economic context and is also grounded in the enabling conditions that characterized the reform process within the forest sector. Furthermore, the results suggest that the primary decision-maker who identified the FOLU sector as a critical area for mitigation and chose to improve the communication aspects with measurable objectives was the former National Focal Point from the Environmental Conservation Department (ECD), the focal agency. Additionally, the Forest Department (FD) played a significant role in shaping the development of both conditional and unconditional targets within this sector. Additionally, the findings highlight deficiencies in the communication strategy regarding the clear delineation of roles and responsibilities among the involved stakeholders. In light of these findings, this study articulates several recommendations to enhance the upcoming NDC preparations in Myanmar, focusing on FOLU sector.
Click here to download; Assessing the Formulation Process of Forest and Other Land Use (FOLU) Sector of 2020 Myanmar’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCS) As Submitted by the National Unity Government (NUG) of Myanmar
