"The highlands of Nyaungshwe and Kalaw Townships are a few miles from Myanmar?s famous Inle Lake, but see little benefit from the rapid tourism development occurring in the valley. These areas suffer from water scarcity and receive little value from their produce and bamboo products. In addition, land scarcity, erosion, deforestation and a shortening monsoon season due to climate change have made life in these villages increasingly difficult. The transformation of Myanmar could be a source of opportunity for these villages, or they could be further marginalized. The Myanmar Institute for Integrated Development (MIID) and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) are working with upland villages in this region to improve livelihoods, increase water access and better equip communities to address key issues and manage their natural resources. To do this we work with farmers, village leaders, the Myanmar government, traders, and other stakeholders to understand the local people, environment and political economy and to address identified needs with interventions that make sense for the community..."