UNESCO studies Inle Lake to enlist as biosphere reserve

UNESCO studies Inle Lake to enlist as biosphere reserve

Published on Tuesday, 25 June 2013 18:36

Inle Lake (Photo- Aung Myo Thant)

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have started making surveys to enlist the Inle Lake as a biosphere reserve for conservation and sustainable development, according to an official from the Inle Lake Wildlife Sanctuary.

"The nature of biosphere reserve is to cooperate in solving livelihood issues of the locals while making conservation works. Entrepreneurs, local residents and volunteers have to work together [to conserve the Inle Lake]," said Sein Tun, administrator of the Inle Lake Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Inle Lake Wildlife Sanctuary is located between Pinlaung and Pehkon townships of Southern Shan State and covers an area of 247.435 square miles and is one of the largest wetland in Southeast Asia. Established in 1985, it is also one of Asean heritages and one of the country's top tourist destinations.

According to records, the sanctuary has 12 species of mammals, 287 species of birds, 59 species of fishes, 94 species of butterflies, 25 species of amphibians, and 3 species of turtles.

In recent years, the Inle Lake has been gradually degrading due to impacts of climate changes, deforestation, overuse of chemical fertiliser and insecticides, and shrinking of the surface area of the lake during the dry seasons.

Natural reserves in Kazakhstan, India, France, Equador, South Korea, China, Italy, and Spain have been added to UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves this year, bringing the total number of biosphere reserves to 621 in 117 countries.

Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2013/06/26/unesco-studies-inle-lake-to-enlist-as-biosphere-reserve/