ECO TOURISM PLACES

Location

Located between 22°O' N and 96°30' E in Pyin Oo Lwin Town of Mandalay Division.

Area

344.81 acres.

Year of Establishment

Established in 1915

Access

• Yangon via Mandalay to Pyin Oo Lwin, 472 miles by car.
• Yangon to Mandalay, 400 miles by air and Mandalay to Pyin Oo Lwin, 42 miles by car.

Objectives

• To serve as a recreation center for the public.
• To carry out educational activities related to conservation of trees and forests so that people will become interested and appreciate the values of trees and flowers.
• To assist botanists and researchers with their studies.
• To collect and reproduce rare and endangered plant species for their perpetual existence, conduct research activities and assist the development of ecotourism industry.

Forest / Vegetative Types

• Forest trees (big species) : about 344 species. Total number of trees : about 5000.
• Indigenous orchids : 42 species.
• Rose : 25 species.
• Crinum ammonium (land lily): 6 species.
• Natural Forest Area : 42 acres.

Wildlife

Inland indigenous birds (resident forest birds), reptiles, small mammal species and insects are present.

Conservation, Development and Research Programmes

• Conservation of trees already planted.
• Additional planting of tree species which are ecologically adaptable.
• Maintenance and improvement of completed land-scaping activities with advanced technology.
• Implementation of educational programmes in environment and nature conservation.

Opportunities for Study and Recreation

• Study and research activities relating to Botany.
• Rest and recreation.

INLAY LAKE (WET LAND) SANCTUARY

Location

Located between 20'10' N and 97'02' E in Nyaung Shwe, Pinlaung and Peh Kon Townships of Southern Shan State. Elevation over 2900 feet.

Area

642.32 square miles.

Year of Establishment

Established in 1985.

Access

• Yangon to Nyaung Shwe, 430 miles by car.
• Yangon to Heho, 335 miles by air way and Heho to Nyaung Shwe, 14 miles by car.
• Yangon via Tharzi to Shwe Nyaung, 320 miles by train and Shwe Nyaung to Nyaung Shwe, 10 miles by car.

Objectives

• To conserve and protect natural vegetation, wetland birds and fresh water fishes in Inlay sanctuary.
• To conserve geological features and scenic beauty of mountain areas.
• To conserve Inlay watershed and maintain water resoure for Law-Pi-Ta hydroelectric power plant.
• To conserve and educate the local people in traditional floating agriculture practised by "In" lake-dwellers.
• To upgrade the Sanctuary so as to promote ecotourism.

Forest / Vegetative Types

Oryza granulate, Dalbergia spinosa, Hypericum prunizolium, Coladium spp., Desmodium oblongum, Enhydra zluctuans, Panicum sarmentosum grow on the natural floating islets. Salix tetrasperma, Ficus spp. Crataexa nurvala, Mitragyna parvizolia, Salmalia malabarica syn., Bombax malabaricum are found in shallow water or on the shores.

Wildlife

• 37 species of birds
• 27 species of wetland birds
• 14 species of migratory birds
• 40 species of freshwater fishes, otter and turtle

Conservation, Development and Research Programmes

• Protection of land and wetland birds and conservation of their natural habitat and refuge.
• Construction of bird watch-towers.
• Cooperation with Inlay watershed conservation programme.
• Implementation of environment conservation and research.

Opportunities for Study and Recreation

• Observation of world renowned wetland ecosystem 2950 feet above sea level.
• Observation and enjoyment of scenic beauty of the Shan plateau.
• Observation and research on various types of birds.
• Observation and of endemci fish species such as Ngapweh (Chaudhuria caudata) and Ngaku-Shinpa (Silurus bumanensis)
• Observation of traditional floating agriculture practised by lake dwellers.

POPA MOUNTAIN PARK

Location

Located between 20'53' N and 95'15' E in Kyaukpadaung Township of Mandalay Division.

Area

49.63 square miles.

Year of Establishment

Established in 1983 and opened as park in 1989.

Access

• Yangon via Pyay and Kyaukpadaung to Popa, 412 miles by car.
• Yangon via Meikhtila and Kyaukpadaung to Popa, 400 miles by car.
• Yangon via Nyaung-U, 320 miles by air and 37 miles by car.

Objectives

• To preserve the forest area of Popa Mountain and to conserve the unique dry zone ecosystem and biodiversity with various plants and wildlife species.
• To conserve the watersheds of near by reservoirs and dams including Kyetmauktaung Dam.
• To ensure continuous flow of water supply to Kyaukpadaung and nearby villages from natural springs.
• To conserve medicinal plants and climbers.
• To preserve unique geological features and to conserve cultural and religious heritages.
• To promote ecotourism.

Forest/vegetative Types

• Than-Dahat Forests
• Low Indaing Forests
• Upper Mixed Deciduous Forests
• Hill Evergreen Forests
• Pine Forests
• Hill Grassland

Wildlife

Monkey, barking deer, wild pig, jungle cat, wild dog and about 140 avifauna species inhabit the Popa area. The dusky leaf monkey is a scarce animal and about 150 monkeys live in the Popa Mountain Park.

Conservation, Development and Research Programmes

• Conservation of natural forest
• Enrichment planting with indigenous tree species.
• Establishment of Popa Mountain Resorts, construction of mountain circuits and maintenace of golf course to facilitate recreation and promote ecotourism.
• Conducting of research works on the conservation of flora and fauna.
• Establishment of watershed Plantations.
• Conservation and planting of medicinal plants and climbers.
• Promoting, public awareness of environmental conservation.
• Conducting of Socio-economic surveys in nearby villages.
• Implementation of buffer zone management.

Opportunities for Study and Recreation

• Observing dry zone ecosystem, avifauna species and other wild animals.
• Enjoyment of the natural beauty of Popa, Oasis of the Dry Zone.
• Studying the naturally regenerated of sandalwood species.
• Studying geological features and minerals from and extinct volcano which erupted 25,000 years ago.
• Studying the natural forests by trekking on foot or on horseback along the forest paths.
• Observing the medicinal plants and climbers and conducting field research works.
• Enjoyment of natural beauty by car, horse or on foot and playing golf.
• Lodging with meals at the Popa Mountain Resorts of the Forest Department.
• Studying at the environmental education centre.

Accommodation facilities

Accommodation for about 16 persons at the Popa Guest House and about 6 persons at the "Yenge" Guest House.