Based on insights from SEI’s initiative in the Upper Chindwin basin, community inclusion can strengthen wetland conservation efforts while ensuring livelihood security for local communities.

The authors suggest a national framework for wetlands conservation or management that ensures local communities are integrated into such efforts. Inclusion of locally led wetland management within Myanmar’s national directives, such as the National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan (NBSAP) and National Adaptation Plan (NAP), is key to safeguarding these critical ecosystems, supporting local livelihoods, and achieving climate and biodiversity targets.

Its strategy should be multifaceted, with components that seek to 1) avoid emissions by reducing travel demand, 2) shift travel modes from individual vehicles to public transport, and 3) improve vehicle efficiency by expanding the use of electric vehicles and increasing the use of biofuels as an interim fuel while pursuing full electrification.

By using an approach driven by travel demand, Indonesia can undertake the flexible and tailored planning needed to respond to population growth and changes in travel behaviour in different urban areas.

To realize the potential benefits, Indonesia should adopt, integrate and enforce stronger policy measures; establish stricter fuel efficiency standards; deploy targeted incentives for clean transport infrastructure; and support increased adoption of biofuels as a lower-emissions, transition fuel source.

To monitor progress and improve accountability, Indonesia should improve data collection on travel behaviour; establish a national emission-tracking system; and set clear, local carbon-reduction targets that consider the differing needs of cities and provinces.