Greening the BRI in ASEAN

Abstract

Abstract Infrastructure projects, particularly investments in road, rail, and energy, can significantly impact ecological integrity and overall environmental quality. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), given its focus on large-scale infrastructure and energy projects, poses significant threats to ecosystems in BRI member countries. These environmental and social risks can, however, be assessed and mitigated by using tools such as Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Through examining the EIA process of a large-scale hydropower development project in Myanmar—the Myitsone dam project—the main aim of this article is to show why it is necessary to apply the concept of ecological civilization to Chinese foreign investment projects in Myanmar and other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries. Analysis of the project’s EIA illustrates significant shortcomings for both the public participation process and the overall report’s ability to adhere to good practice and include the full extent of project impacts. Projects, such as this, that cause community conflict and environmental and social harm, do not fall within the stated ‘win-win-win’ objective of the BRI. The article concludes that, unlike the flawed Myitsone process, EIA combined with other requisite public participation processes associated with BRI projects have the potential to foster improved community relations and a green BRI that results in more equitable development in ASEAN. A series of significant opportunities to further green the BRI are identified.