Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Conservation Association (BANCA), to state the lake's water is not safe for consump-
tion. On top of all this, the expansion of rice cultivation near the lake and the building of
more hotels is draining the water supply to Inle, causing it to shrink. In November 2012 a
report entitled
Inlay Lake Conservation Project: A Plan for the Future
was released by
the Institute for International Development-Myanmar (
www.iid.org/myanmar.html
)
. It
outlines proposals to rehabilitate the lake by 2025, but also notes that an unchecked rise
in tourism in the area is likely to put further strain on Inle's fragile environment.
Since 2009 the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has been supporting a
reforestation project across Myanmar's dry zone (
www.dryzonegreening.gov.mm/eng
)
.
Dams
In the past decade authorities have embarked on a series of hydroelectric dam projects
along the country's major rivers, creating a crescendo of economic, social and environ-
mental problems. In a nod to public opinion in September 2011 the government called a
halt (for the time being) on controversial Myitsone Dam at the headwaters of the Ayeyar-
wady River in Kachin State, a project that was being developed in conjunction with Ch-
ina. Pressure remains to restart construction of the 6000 mega-wat generating dam.
In September 2013 the Indian government also cancelled its deal with Myanmar over
the building of the Thamanthi Dam on the Chindwin River; if it had gone ahead the con-
struction of this dam would have flooded parts of Tamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary and
Hukaung Tiger Reserve, the habitats of several endangered species, including tigers, ele-
phants and the very rare Burmese roofed turtle.
According to a report by the Asian Development Bank, Myanmar has more than 8.1 trilli-
on cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves and nearly 490 million tons of estimated
coal reserves. There are also 37 oil blocks in operation, with 66 more open for explora-
tion.
Mining, Oil & Gas
In November 2012, locals protesting about the environmental and social impact of the
Letpadaung copper mine in Sagaing Region, a joint venture between a Chinese company
and a Myanmar military enterprise, were subjected to a brutal police crackdown. Mining
was subsequently suspended pending the investigation and conclusion of a parliamentary
commission, chaired by Aung San Suu Kyi. The commission's recommendation was that
