Saving Inle Lake
The unusually hot last summer had so devastating effects on the people of Myanmar and Lake Inle as well. The second largest lake in Myanmar, Inle is hugely popular with tourists for its cool weather, culture and customs of local ethnic groups, natural scenic beauty, rich biodiversity and unique rowing technique of Inthar (Inle dwellers).
Now the water level has shrunk to its lowest point in history mainly due to the super hot weather and late monsoon season. Apart from the weather phenomenon , the density of the population has long been a concern for the Inle environ. There are more than 1000 people per square mile in Inle and the surrounding area, which is more than 5 times the national average. More population translates more rubbish in the lake, which leads to an increasing level of silt and algae. Some complain deforestation along the edge of the lake is partly to blame.
The Inle Lake conservation works could be a daunting task for the country alone. Last week, UNDP and FREDA, the Forest Resource Environment Development and Conservation Association, said they are planning to ask for technical advice from a Japanese environmental protection organization. Funding is one main obstacle. Ten million US dollars are in urgent need to begin the job.
Nevertheless, tourists are unfazed by the dwindling condition of the lake. Statistics show the number of tourists who have visited the lake this year has remained unchanged compared to that of last year. That is a good sign. Inle still retains its place in the hearts of tourists and local people alike.
Fatma
Hi there both of you,Well, after Myanmar I went to Koh Phangan Thailand where I had a blast for one month, accident with the mobtkoire not included ofcourse! Right before X-mas, I drove my way back coming from an afterparty, and due to not paying attention, I suddenly was driving at the right side of the road! A ladyboy came from the other direction: massive crash as a result! My head smashed the concrete, had to go to the hospital: 9 stitches right above my eyebrow, inside the head everything was fine! Broozes and scratches everywhere, and in Thailand’s humid climate, wounds take a very long time to heal! Lots of financial damage as well, the crash lowered my budget very hard!So I had to slow down for two weeks, which in the end was a good thing cuz I was having too much of a ball! I partied at Koh Phangan for over one month, and forgot a bit about travelling until I had to do my visarun to Malaysia, Penang. It was so good to be away of party culture, and lucky me also had the chance to visit the Thaipusam Indian Vegetarian festival over there! Complete insanity! Once in Malaysia I decided not to take a two months visa for Thailand, only a two weeks, and after one week Koh Phangan again I moved to Indonesia via Malaysia! Over there I picked Sumatra to explore, which was a perfect decision: paradise! Went to Lake Toba, Pulau Samosir, and afterwards to Bukit Lawang where I participated in a jungle trekking: oerang oetangs, makaak monkeys, gibbons, monitor lizards, absolutely amazing! I you ever have the chance to do this, do not hesitate!Now I’m back in Melaka, Malaysia. Tomorrow I’m going to Kuala Lumpur to take my flight to Sydney, where I will only stay one day because the day after I have to catch my flight to Lima, Peru, to attend the marriage of my brother! My time is running out: flight back to Belgium on the 2nd of March! Plan is to cash up a bit for my next trip!The last few months in a nutshell! Hope both of you are doing well!Keep up the good writing man, I love it! I will keep in touch, it’s a small world!Love and light,Manu