Gulf of Mottama in Myanmar protected as Ramsar site!

The most important wintering area for the globally endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper is protected as one of the largest Ramsar sites in Asia with an area of about 160,000 ha. Our years of efforts have been rewarded here! In close cooperation with the responsible government authority, we have now succeeded in extending the first Ramsar area of approx. 40,000 ha by two more in the provinces of Mon and Bago. Together with the local population, our local partner BANCA and the new Nature Conservation Society (NCS) have established a cooperation that will guarantee a sustainable use of marine resources in the near future while at the same time preserving local biodiversity. The area is one of the last coastal wilderness areas in Asia and, due to a particularly strong and high tidal wave, is already naturally protected and unique in its dynamics. An important next step would be the recognition of the World Heritage Status.