Background

The Government of Myanmar identified a need to define the current characteristics of the Ayeyarwady Basin’s hydrology, water resources and water use dynamics for future planning processes and development pathways in the Basin. AWP Partners were selected to work with the Government to provide a comprehensive baseline assessment supported by an integrated hydrological model as part of the Ayeyarwady State of the Basin Assessment (SOBA).

Objectives

The surface water resource assessment contributes to the credible evidence base that SOBA is developing for the Ayeyarwady River Basin planning process. It aimed to focus on the status and trends of key characteristics in the Basin and includes both quantitative, indicator-based assessment of trends and qualitative descriptions of hydro-physical processes.

A preliminary river system model was required to simulate the Basin’s hydrological processes. This would provide a framework for creating and comparing a series of exploratory scenarios to help foster understanding of how sensitive the Ayeyarwady system is to change. The development of the river system model and associated operational user guide provides the Government of Myanmar with the tools to assess the implications of future development scenarios and options in the Basin.

Outcomes

This activity was undertaken by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and eWater in collaboration with the Myanmar Hydro-Informatics Centre (HIC), Department of Water Resources and Improvement of River Systems (DWIR) and Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH).

Through sharing of Australian experience, integrated water resource modelling and training of HIC, DWIR and DMH technical staff and Young Water Professionals, the Government of Myanmar has been equipped with the knowledge, tools and internal capacity to continue with its modelling of the Ayeyarwady Basin. It has also encouraged the adoption of effective policies and practices, leading to more equitable, efficient and environmentally sustainable water use.

A final report includes guidelines for the SOBA team on the practical creation and configuration of a Source model for assessment purposes. View documentation for more information.