The CDA Reports

Total E&P Myanmar regularly invites outside observers, journalists and representatives of NGOs to visit the pipeline region. Their observations and recommendations are an invaluable source of continuous improvement for the company's programs. As part of this process, a team from CDA Collaborative Learning Projects regularly visits the pipeline region to conduct an in-depth assessment of the impact of the Yadana consortium's operations on surrounding communities.

About CDA

Created in 1985, CDA Collaborative Learning Projects, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is an independent, non-profit organization specialized in economic and social development. It works with governments, international organizations, United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations and universities, and is primarily funded by governments and international financial institutions. CDA focuses on the role of international organizations, public aid agencies, non-governmental organizations and multinational corporations in countries in situations of conflict.

Seven Consecutive Field Visits

CDA representatives visited the Yadana pipeline region in:

  • October 2002
  • April 2003
  • November 2003
  • April 2005
  • February 2008
  • March 2011
  • November 2014

The CDA's reports are available to the public on its website.

Observations from the Most Recent Visit

During its seventh visit to Myanmar and Thailand, the CDA team spent six days in Myanmar's economic capital Yangon, six days in the pipeline area and regional capital Dawei, one day in the political capital Nay Pyi Taw, and two days in the Thai capital Bangkok. Across all communities, CDA noted a genuine appreciation for Total E&P Myanmar's presence in the region and for the CSR program. CDA also commented that both the program and Total's community engagement were considered the "gold standard" of corporate responsibility throughout the country.

This "gold standard" CSR program is a major asset for a company like Total, and cements its reputation as a responsible market leader. It is also an asset for Myanmar, one that should be promoted and shared with any new companies that it hosts in the future. Total's experience and the CSR standard it has set in Myanmar could be transposed to other foreign direct investors and used to more effectively shape their investment policies.