Public opinion research report for Myanmar-China Oil and Gas Pipelines

(Survey in NgaPhe` Township, MinBu District, Magway Division and Thipaw Township, Kyauk
Mae District, Northern Shan State)
By BadeiDha Moe Civil Society Organization.....

Summary:
"During the political reform period in Myanmar, most of the critical issues that have arisen around land
issues have concerned foreign investment projects. The civilian government, Houses of Parliament, Members of
Parliament, political parties, civil society and farmers are all directly involved and troubled by the land grabbing
that is taking place in the establishment of foreign investment projects. Among these projects, the Myanmar–
China pipelines project is having the most effects on the largest number of local people in Myanmar simply
because of its size: it crosses the entire length of the country from Rakhine State to Yunnan Province through
heavily populated and fertile agricultural areas. Because of its length, it affects all types of Myanmar
environmental resources such as cultivated land, virgin land, river, stream, forest and mountains, which are all
vital to Myanmar’s rich biodiversity. This one project has the potential to impact negatively on the environment,
livelihoods, culture and social life of a large part of the country. Local ethnic nationality groups have been
concerned about unfair compensation without the proper regard given to the environment and social impact.
State development should start with the involvement of people in each region. It is especially difficult for a
government to start development projects when there is political instability, and the impact of this project is an
impediment to the on-going peace process.
Our team surveyed "public opinion'' on foreign investments, so-called development projects. Local
people voluntarily participated in the research in NgaPhe` Township, Upper Myanmar and Thipaw (Hsipaw)
Township, Northern Shan State.
The survey used participatory action research methods, in which local people could learn how to define
their issues, cooperate with each other and with civil society organisations, collect data on their situation and
understand their rights with respect to government and private company projects.
In summary, our report intends to expose the cases of injustice uncovered through our research to the
public, members of parliaments, and civil society