447
generally focused more on the mangrove wetlands of the Mekong Delta, particularly because
they are important sources of fuel and medicine.
In addition to the above, c 47 % of the total fi sh
catch from Mekong wetlands contributes between
50 and 70 % of the protein needs of the c 20 million people living in the delta (Maltby 1986 ).
Nevertheless, restoration of a freshwater portion
of the Mekong Delta, known as the ‘Dong Thap
Muoi’ (Plain of Reeds) is, at present, underway
with the aid of the International Crane Foundation
(Beilfuss and Barzen 1994 ).
21.7 Wetlands of Myanmar
In Myanmar, there are different kinds of wetlands in different landscapes. They depict
diverse ecological conditions and biota. An
account of the lentic system(s) in Myanmar
(with particular reference to Irrawaddy Delta)
is given below.
21.7.1 Irrawaddy Delta
The Irrawaddy Delta or Ayeyarwady Delta
(area 3,500,000 ha) lies at 0–15 m MSL,
between 16° 55′–18° 15′ N and 94° 15′–96° 20′
E. It (Plate 21.6 , Fig. 21.5 ) is situated in the
Irrawaddy Division, which is said to be the lowest expanse of land in Myanmar that fans out
from the limit of tidal infl uence at Myan Aung,
70 km north of Henzada, to the outer islands
along the coast and, then, to the Bay of Bengal
and the Andaman Sea. It lies about 290 km to
the south at the mouth of the Ayeyarwady River.
Large amount of rice is cultivated in the rich
Fig. 21.4 Kulhudhuffushi Haa Dhala
21.7 Wetlands of Myanmar
generally focused more on the mangrove wetlands of the Mekong Delta, particularly because
they are important sources of fuel and medicine.
In addition to the above, c 47 % of the total fi sh
catch from Mekong wetlands contributes between
50 and 70 % of the protein needs of the c 20 million people living in the delta (Maltby 1986 ).
Nevertheless, restoration of a freshwater portion
of the Mekong Delta, known as the ‘Dong Thap
Muoi’ (Plain of Reeds) is, at present, underway
with the aid of the International Crane Foundation
(Beilfuss and Barzen 1994 ).
21.7 Wetlands of Myanmar
In Myanmar, there are different kinds of wetlands in different landscapes. They depict
diverse ecological conditions and biota. An
account of the lentic system(s) in Myanmar
(with particular reference to Irrawaddy Delta)
is given below.
21.7.1 Irrawaddy Delta
The Irrawaddy Delta or Ayeyarwady Delta
(area 3,500,000 ha) lies at 0–15 m MSL,
between 16° 55′–18° 15′ N and 94° 15′–96° 20′
E. It (Plate 21.6 , Fig. 21.5 ) is situated in the
Irrawaddy Division, which is said to be the lowest expanse of land in Myanmar that fans out
from the limit of tidal infl uence at Myan Aung,
70 km north of Henzada, to the outer islands
along the coast and, then, to the Bay of Bengal
and the Andaman Sea. It lies about 290 km to
the south at the mouth of the Ayeyarwady River.
Large amount of rice is cultivated in the rich
Fig. 21.4 Kulhudhuffushi Haa Dhala
21.7 Wetlands of Myanmar