ADVISORY COMMISSION ON RAKHINE STATE unsustainable land and water management practices: Construction of dykes too far out on the tidal flats and adding shrimp ponds and rice fields in a manner that weakens the fragile ecosystem. Without additional sustained efforts to increase the state’s disaster preparedness and to strengthen mitigation and adaptation measures, potential economic gains in some sectors may quickly be cancelled out by the adverse effects of climate change. Recommendations: 1. The Commission acknowledges that the question of resource sharing between the Union and State Governments will be dealt with in the context of the national peace process and constitutional reform. Nevertheless, the Commission urges the Government to increase the participation of Rakhine’s local communities in decision making affecting the development of the state, and find ways to ensure that local communities benefit from investments – including natural resource extraction – in Rakhine State. 2. The Government should ensure adequate compensation for appropriated land. 3. The Commission reiterates that the Government of Myanmar should carry out a comprehensive assessment (or a so-called strategic environment assessment) for Kyawkpyuh and its environs to explore how the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) may affect local communities and map how other economic sectors in the state may benefit (or possibly suffer) from the SEZ. Moreover, the Government should require foreign companies involved in the development of the SEZ to develop robust mechanisms for information sharing and consultation with local communities and civil society, in accordance with principles of corporate social responsibility. 4. The Government should carry out labour market assessments – as well as a mapping of anticipated labour needs generated by planned industrial development in Rakhine, including the SEZ – in order to design targeted vocational training. If vocational training is not market-linked, it will simply present incentives for migration. 5. The Government should be particularly sensitive to the needs of women whose labour force participation remains low. In labour market assessments, their potential and needs should be given special attention. In vocational training, women should be prioritized. 24 Towards a Peaceful, Fair and Prosperous Future for the People of Rakhine