ECOTOURISM

Myanmar is a land full of richness in a nature and the diversity of species. The ecosystems in the country constitute one of the biological reservoirs in Asia. The land area of Myanmar is 261,228 square miles, with a variety of natural resources, plants and animals. The Ministry of Forestry is responsible for maintaining the forests of Myanmar. There are over 7,000 plants and over 1,000 endemic species. Also there are about 1,000 bird species,300 mammals,  350 reptiles on record. The richness of the biodiversity in nature gives Myanmar a potential for Ecotourism. The general concept of ecotourism is to restrict the number of visitors within the carrying capacity of the ecotourism site. The allowable tourism level at such areas will vary with the tolerant sensitivity of the type of forests and its environment. Now there are nature reserves and wildlife centuries for ecotourism development. Some of the ecotourism sites are mentioned here.

Monyingyi Wetland Wildlife Sanctuary

Moeyingyi Wetland Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Waw Township, Bago Division. It is a land of 40 square miles. This sanctuary was established in 1986. This sanctuary is to conserve resident and migratory water birds and their habitats.

Inle Lake Sanctuary

Inle Lake Sanctuary is a wetland sanctuary and located in Naung Shwe, Pinlaung and Peh Kan Townships of Southern Shan State. It covers an area of 642,32 square miles and was established in 1985. This sanctuary is to  conserve and protect natural vegetation, wetland birds and fresh water fishes inle sanctuary.

Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary

Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Minbu, Setote-taya Saku and Nagapeh Townships of Magwe Division. The total area is 213.4 square miles. It was established in 1940. This sanctuary is to conserve the deer of Myanmar and the dry zone.
 

Myaing Hay Wun

Located in Taikkyi Township of Yangon Division. Myaing Hay Wun Elephant Camp covers an area of 10 acres. It was established in 1986. It is easily accessible by car from Yangon to Taikkyi Township and only about 90 minutes drive. The distance is about 48 miles in the Yangon - Mandalay Highway Road. The wildlife in this camp include Elephant, Guar, Banteng, Barking deer, Wild boar, Hare Wild cat, Green Peafowl, Ruddy sheld duck, Hill myna, Blossom - headed parakeet, Pheasant, Red jungle fowl, Quail, Dove, Duck, Lesser tree duck, Butterflies, Moths, Snakes, Monitar lizard, Ground lizard and Chameleon. The Elephant Camp is a great opportunity to Study the nature of wildlife and at the same time can get the recreation from the city. The tour included trekking with elephant about 45 minutes. Along the trekking journey by riding elephant you will see beauty and serenities of natural virgin forest its surrounding would be unforgettable. Tourists can also see the bathing of the elephants with their mahouts. The elephants are treated well and also have medical treatment for their health.

Pho Kyar Forest Resort

Pho Kyar Forest Resort is located in Yedashe Township of Thargara. It is 10 miles 2 furlong from Thargara, in the area of Swa forest reserve area, on the bank of Thaing creek. The resort has 20 acres in area, which is larger than Myaing Hay Wun Elephant Camp. This forest can be accessed from Yangon to Swa Township. Thargara by car is 204 miles. From Thargara to Pho Kyar Resort the drive by car is 10 miles all seasons. Like many other forest resorts, it has a great opportunity to study natural forest plants including different species of hardwood, large forests teak wood, other valuable forest plants different life span bamboos, cane and different flora. 38 Tour offers elephant riding for short trips and long trips. Bathing and washing elephants can also be viewed.