This paper reviews the Hanthawaddy Airport ARAP in Myanmar, highlighting lessons for social impact assessment, fair compensation, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable livelihood restoration.
Large-scale infrastructure can create economic opportunities while affecting land, household assets and livelihoods. This paper examines the Abbreviated Resettlement Action Plan (ARAP) for Phase 1 of the Hanthawaddy New International Airport Development Project in Bago Region, Myanmar, to identify lessons for social impact assessment and livelihood restoration. Using document analysis, it reviews the ARAP’s census, asset inventory and socioeconomic survey, compensation arrangements, livelihood restoration measures, consultations, grievance redress and monitoring framework. The survey conducted from 25 to 28 October 2020 identified 34 project-affected households. Agriculture was the main recorded occupation for 35.29% of household heads, and approximately 47% of affected households reported monthly income below MMK 300,000. These baseline characteristics underline the need to assess livelihood dependence and economic vulnerability alongside asset values. The case highlights the importance of updated household data, transparent eligibility and compensation procedures, meaningful consultation, accessible grievance mechanisms and monitoring of living standards. Compensation delivery alone cannot demonstrate sustainable livelihood restoration; follow-up assessment should examine income, employment, access to services, household satisfaction and the circumstances of vulnerable groups. The paper recommends measurable livelihood indicators, continued participation and independent monitoring linked to corrective action.
Mrs. Thein Mwe Khin holds degrees in Forestry and Regional Development Planning. In E Guard, she is a Senior Consultant specializing in environmental assessment and social studies.