Myanmar Protected Areas: Context, Current Status ... - Istituto Oikos

MOYINGYI WETLAND
Site ID 27
Locality Bago Region, Bago and Waw Townships
Coordinates N 17° 32’, E 96° 36’
Size (km²) 104
Altitude (m. asl) 0 – 30
Myanmar category Bird Sanctuary
IUCN category IV
Site Governance Nature and Wildlife Conservation Division
Boundaries Demarcated
Year gazetted 1988
Protection level Partial (fishing allowed)
Main purposes Conservation
Habitat Wetland
Key resources Wetland Ecosystem, Water Birds
Legend of topographic maps
Head Quarters
Ranger Post
Towns
Protected Areas
State/Region Boundaries
Roads
Water areas
Rivers
Elevation
5.800 m. asl
0 m. asl
Legend of satellite maps
Water Depth Vegetation Density
Deep
Shallow
High
Low
SITE DESCRIPTION
The site is located around an artificial lake constructed in
1904 in the Bago Region, 113 km far from Yangon City. The
area is mostly flat. Therefore, it becomes flooded during
the rainy season and dry during summer, although some
permanent water bodies exist. It aims to conserve resident
and migratory birds and their habitats, which also constitute
the main attraction for tourists.
NATURAL RESOURCES
The site supports several wetland habitats with high
ecological value for resident and migratory waterbirds. More
than 20 aquatic plants are present, including Kaing grass and
Nwaysaba (Oxyza officinalis), growing especially in the shallow
areas of the site, which are a breeding ground for water birds.
Checklists of 130 bird species, 20 reptiles, 9 amphibians, 45
fish and 30 insects are compiled at the sanctuary office.
MANAGEMENT
The site is managed according to an annual management plan
that includes patrolling activities, maintenance of roads and
building and zoning programme. No human access is allowed
in the core zone which is delimited by nets. In addition, a
no-fishing zone is marked by poles. Nevertheless increasing
conflicts with the poor local communities are reported. More
patrolling against illegal fishing, environmental education
campaigns and the involvement of local authorities are
necessary actions for the conservation of site.
Myanmar Protected Areas
68 69
THREATS
Overfishing, including illegal fishing techniques such as
electric fishing, is the main threat for the site. Of moderate
concern is the large number of water buffalos and other
livestock grazing in the marshy areas of the sanctuary
during the dry season. In addition, rice cultivation and
human settlements are encroaching as the water level
recedes within the basin.
STAFF / RESOURCES
The sanctuary has eight staff. The staff training level is
satisfactory. Park warden, rangers and clerks have universitylevel
education in environmental subjects. In addition,
warden and rangers have received further training from
Forest Department and NGOs. Nevertheless the level of IT
skills is very low.
In terms of infrastructure, the park warden office, where five
staff are based, is located in the Pyin Bon Gyi village. Three
ranger posts (1 staff each) are located in the villages of Kapin,
Pyun Chaung and Pauk Taw. The information centre, nine
boat houses and two rest houses are located close to the
reservoir and are accessible by motor road. Another road (32
km) surrounds the reservoir but is accessible only during the
dry season. Basic tools and equipment (binoculars, telescope,
GPS, camera, etc.) are available in the site. The office doesn’t
have electricity or phone line for budget limitations. The birdwatching
towers were destroyed by the Nargis cyclone in
2007 and need to be rebuilt.
TOURISM
The site was visited by over 2,000 tourists in 2009. The
potential is high for bird-watchers and nature lovers
LAND USE AND HUMAN ACTIVITIES
Fishing is tolerated in the basin for daily subsistence of local
communities. 17 villages surround the site and mainly rely on
rice cultivation. Rice fields are expanding inside because they
are allowed by local authorities against the recommendations
of Forest Department.
RESEARCH
Wetland biodiversity of the site has been studied by the
Zoology Department of Yangon University, California
Academy of Science, Wild Bird Society of Myanmar and the
Forest Department.