HOMALIN- Buffer areas will be designated in Nat Ma Taung, also known as Mount Victoria or Khaw-nu-soum National Park in Chin State, to protect rare species.

The plan was jointly organized by Birds and Animals Conservation Department in Nat Ma Taung National Park and Myanmar Birds and Animals Conservation Team.

After a team is formed, it will start field trips to the buffer regions in open season, says Research Officer Ye Lin Aung.

“There have been different species in Natural Reserve Areas. The locals are making a living now by relying on the natural reserve areas. We plan to establish buffer areas aiming not to impact the natural reserve areas which are rich with habitats for the rare species. The locals will be allowed to earn in the regions while also protecting the main species. Firstly, we are going to discuss with the locals about their vocations and impacts on it if we were to establish buffer areas. And then, we must designate places for the locals. There are about 60 villages near Nat Ma Taung National Park. We can confirm after the field trip how many designated buffer areas will have to be made. We are going to start the field trip in November,” said Ye Lin Aung.

“New laws state that the locals have a chance to get three kinds of work permissions and those are namely natural based tourism industry, community forestry and conservation agreement between locals and the staff. Upon establishment of buffer areas, if a person will earn at the areas or will shoot the animals, he or she must be taken actions against the existing law. Now, we are going to plant the sign boards together with the locals,” said Ye Lin Aung.

Nat Ma Taung National Park is the highest mountain in Chin State with a height of 3,053 meters (10,016ft) above sea level and it is one of the ultra prominent peaks of Southeast Asia and also one of the ASEAN Heritage Parks.