An awareness campaign and educational talk on the conservation of Inle Lake was held at the Dhamma Hall of a monastery in Nyaung Wun Village, Taung Poke Gyi Village Tract, Nyaungshwe Township, Taunggyi District, Shan State.
The event, which focused on forest and environmental conservation, took place at 2 p.m. on November 3, with the participation of 106 local residents from the Inle Lake region and 14 government staff members.
U Ko Ko Maung, Staff Officer of the Nyaungshwe Township Forest Department, explained the procedures and directives for establishing Community Forestry (CF) enterprises owned by local communities, as well as the duties and responsibilities of local user groups.
U Tin Myat Soe, Administrator of the Inle Lake Wildlife Sanctuary in Nyaungshwe Township, discussed the importance of maintaining ecological balance and ensuring the long-term conservation of wildlife habitats and natural vegetation in the Inle Lake area. He also raised awareness about avoiding excessive use of agricultural chemicals within the sanctuary, preventing the capture and killing of wild animals through prohibited methods, and prohibiting the use of battery-powered electric fishing devices.
Meanwhile, Daw Shwe Zin Phyu, Deputy Staff Officer of the Nyaungshwe Township Agriculture Department, discussed preparations for potential challenges facing the agricultural sector due to the Super El Niño weather phenomenon and the proper use of chemical pesticides.
During the session, U Ko Ko Maung also explained measures to ensure the success of community-owned forestry projects in accordance with the Community Forestry Instructions (CFI). He urged communities to properly establish mixed forest and agricultural crop plantations in CF areas authorized by the Forest Department, at a rate of 150 forest trees per acre, with suitable intercrops.
He also stressed the need to maintain and care for planted trees in accordance with the 2019 CFI guidelines to ensure their survival and healthy growth. Community forestry projects must achieve a 70 percent survival rate within three years of establishment and comply with all CF regulations and restrictions.
He warned that permission to establish and operate community forests could be revoked if the activities failed to comply with the approved management plans. He further highlighted the need to prevent encroachment and clearing of forest land, expansion of unauthorized shifting cultivation and the continued practice of shifting cultivation.
U Tin Myat Soe also elaborated on measures to ensure the long-term survival of wildlife and natural vegetation within the Inle Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, maintain ecological balance, prevent the clearing of natural vegetation and the illegal expansion of floating gardens, reduce excessive use of chemical substances, and prohibit the capture and killing of wildlife through banned methods.
In addition, Daw Shwe Zin Phyu provided further awareness on preparing for agricultural difficulties that could arise from the Super El Niño phenomenon and using chemical pesticides properly.
The programme also included discussions and question-and-answer sessions, during which local residents raised questions and exchanged views on issues they wished to understand.
