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Development of Nature based Tourism

for Economic Opportunities in Myanmar

Presentation for a Workshop on

Developing Ecotourism along Biodiversity Corridors

Laos

October 2-3, 2008

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Presented by

U Win Aung

Chairman

Woodland Group of Companies

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Characteristics needed for development of

ecotourism

finely balanced ecological diversity

rare and endangered flora, fauna and landscapes,

usually endemic to the region and

indigenous cultures and communities living in it

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Threats to Nature & Ecological System

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Threats to Nature & Ecological System

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Why is ecotourism important?

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Why is ecotourism important?

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Promotes an appreciation

from the visitors

Creates awareness among

locals living in the area

Helps preserving and

protecting the environment

Why is ecotourism important?

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How Myanmar can benefit from

Nature based Tourism for Economic

Opportunities

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LAMPI MARINE PARK

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MANGROVES IN LAMPI MARINE PARK

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HORNBILLS IN LAMPI MARINE PARK

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PRISTINE ISLANDS

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WHITE SAND BEACHES AND CRYSTAL

CLEAR WATER

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COLORFUL MARINE LIVES

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COLORFUL MARINE LIVES

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CORAL REEVES

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COMMUNITIES LIVING IN HARMONY

WITH ITS NATURE

Salone People living in Myeik Archipelago

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UNSPOILED FOREST

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BEAUTIFUL NATURE

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COLORFUL TRIBES

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Potential Ecotourism Sites in

Myanmar

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NAGA HILL TRIBES IN CHIN REGION

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PADAUNG TRIBES IN EASTERN SHAN REGION

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NATMATAUNG NATIONAL PARK

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KHAKABORAZI NATIONAL PARK

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LAMPI MARINE PARK

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MANGROVES IN LAMPI MARINE PARK

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HORNBILLS IN LAMPI MARINE PARK

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ALAUNGDAW KATHAPA NATIONAL PARK

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POPA MOUNTAIN PARK

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NATIONAL KANDAWGYI GARDENS

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INLE LAKE WETLAND BIRD SANCTUARY

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THE GOLDEN ROCK

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MOEYUNGYI WETLAND BIRD SANCTUARY

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INDAWGYI WET LAND BIRD SANCTUARY

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Facts about

Popa Mountain Park Project

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LOCATION OF MT. POPA

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FACTS OF POPA MOUNTAIN PARK

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BACKGROUND

Popa Reserved Forest was instituted in 1902. It now extends over an area of 31,763 acres.

In 1954-55, forest surrounding the reserve was notified as Protected Forests to act as a buffer zone.

The rehabilitation of Mt. Popa was initiated in the early 1980s.

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BACKGROUND

Infrastructure development activities for Popa Mountain Park were employed starting from 1982 under the Nature Conservation and National Parks Project implemented jointly by the Ministry of Forestry and UNDP.

The park is of national significance in terms of environmental, cultural, social and recreational values.

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OBJECTIVES

To protect and conserve

medicinal plants growing

within and in the vicinity

of the park for their

sustainable utilization

To preserve existing

cultural and religious sites

and their values

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To implement educational

programs on

environmental and

biodiversity conservation

in partnership with the

stakeholders

To ensure sustainable

source of water supply

from natural springs to

nearby villages

To promote ecotourism

OBJECTIVES

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FLORA IN

POPA MOUNTAIN PARK

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FAUNA IN POPA MOUNTAIN PARK

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FAUNA IN POPA MOUNTAIN PARK

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THE JEWEL OF POPA

Popa Mountain Resort

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Successes and Challenges of

Popa Mountain Park Project

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Benefits to the local community

Job opportunities

- short term

- long term

Job trainings to

become skill staff

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Income generation from local products

Benefits to the local community

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Distributing clean water to the local community

Benefits to the local community

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Better education facilities

Benefits to the local community

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Better education facilities

Benefits to the local community

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Participation in the local

religious affairs and culture

Benefits to the local community

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Greening Popa Mountain leading to

coming back of natural springs

Decrease in ignorant poaching and logging

Increasing number of fauna in the region

Benefits to the environment

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CHALLENGES

Waste water disposal

Garbage disposal

Regretful yet strong social impact on children

by being exposed to easy income from visitors

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CONCLUSION

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Conclusion

Our aim

To be a reliable partner in developing sustainable

ecotourism

To be a part of global movement by working hand in

hand with government, private sector, local

communities to develop a sound ecotourism

management

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Conclusion

promote and create awareness for eco-system of our environment

create vocational training opportunities for the communities

create more job opportunities in all tourism related supporting industries

create formal education opportunities for the communities and generations

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Thank You