Socio-Economic Development of Indawgyi Lake, Myanmar

Indawgyi Lake in Kachin State, located in the northern part of Myanmar, is the largest inland freshwater lake in the country, with rich aquatic flora and fauna, high biodiversity and a (largely) intact ecosystem. Since 1999 the "Indawgyi Wetland Bird Sanctuary" has been declared a conservation area. Still, it is a peripheral region and lagging behind in its development. At present the three main economic activities are agriculture, fishing and gold mining. Zin Mar Than offers an in-depth analysis of the socio-economic situation of the area and identifies its future development potentials using the SWOT approach (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats). In this context the author discusses concepts of endogenous development and sustainability. Special emphasis is placed on developing ecotourism as a fourth economic activity in the area and to meet the needs of long-term conservation.