Inle Lake named as first biosphere reserve of Myanmar

Yangon June 11

Inle Lake has become the first biosphere reserve of Myanmar, becoming the part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) under the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programs, UNESCO Bangkok Office reported on Wednesday.

The 27th session of the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) International Coordinating Council meeting at the UNESCO Headquarters on June 9 named the one of the most significant landmarks of Shan State as the first biosphere reserve for Myanmar.

Established in 1971, MAB programs are intended to safeguard natural and managed ecosystems, and promote innovative approaches to economic development that are socially and culturally appropriate, and environmentally sustainable.

The WNBR, counting over 631 biosphere reserves in 119 countries all over the world, is one of the main international tools to develop and implement sustainable development approaches in a wide variety of contexts.

With the support of Norwegian government, Ministry of Environmental Conservation and Forestry has been working in collaboration with UNDP for Inle Lake to be the first biosphere reserve of the country.

Covering a total area of 489,721 hectares, the Inle Lake biosphere reserve is situated in Taunggyi of Shan State. The wetland ecosystem of this freshwater lake is home to 267 species of birds, out of which 82 are wetland birds, 43 species of freshwater fishes, otters and turtles.

Diverse flora and fauna species are recorded and the lake is reported to be the nesting place for the globally endangered Sarus crane (Grusantigone). Inle Lake and its watershed provides several ecosystem services on which local people depend, including clean air, clean water, a cooler climate, fish stocks and other resources.

Inle Lake is the second largest inland body of water in the country. Encircled by mountains, the lake and its surroundings provide as picturesque landscape for local and foreign travellers.

The lake is most famous for its floating houses and gardens and its local fisherman known as Inntha, who stand in their wooden boats, wrap one leg around an oar, and row by swinging their leg wide while dragging the oar through the water.

Thurein

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