Surveys had been undertaken by The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) regarding the enlistment of the Inle Lake as a sustainable development and biosphere reserve for conservation, Eleven Media news reported. According to Sein Tun, administrator of Inle Lake Wildlife Sanctuary the nature of biosphere reserve is to cooperate in solving livelihood issues of the locals while making conservation works. Businessmen, volunteers and local residents are needed to cooperate and support in conserving the Inle Lake.

The Inle Lake Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1985. It is known as Myanmar’s major tourist spots and considered as one of ASEAN heritages. Situated between Pinlaung and Pehkon Townships of Southern Shan State, Inle Lake Wildlife Sanctuary is also one of the biggest wetland in Southeast Asia with an area of 247.435 square miles. Official statistics show that the sanctuary has 59 species of fishes, 3 species of turtles, 94 species of butterflies, 12 species of mammals, 25species of amphibians and 287 species of birds. Some of the contributory factors why in recent years the Inle Lake has gradually deteriorated is because of the over usage of insecticides and chemical fertilisers, the impact of climate change, the surface area of the lake on dry season and deforestation, the report said. more…