Ecotourism Sites in Myanmar
Popa Mountain Park
Location
Located between 20'53' N and 95'15' E in
Kyaukpadaung Township of Mandalay Division.
Area
49.63 square miles.
Year of Establishment
Established in 1989
Access
- Yangon via Pyay and Kyaukpadaung to Popa,
412 miles by car.
- Yangon via Meikhtila and Kyaukpadaung to
Popa, 400 miles by car.
- Yangon via Nyaung-U, 320 miles by air and 37
miles by car.
Objectives
- To preserve the forest area of Popa Mountain
and to conserve the unique dry zone ecosystem
and biodiversity with various plants and
wildlife species.
- To conserve the watersheds of near by
reservoirs and dams including Kyetmauktaung Dam.
- To ensure continuous flow of water supply to
Kyaukpadaung and nearby villages from natural
springs.
- To conserve medicinal plants and climbers.
- To preserve unique geological features and
to conserve cultural and religious heritages.
- To promote ecotourism.
Forest/vegetative Types
- Than-Dahat Forests
- Low Indaing Forests
- Upper Mixed Deciduous Forests
- Hill Evergreen Forests
- Pine Forests
- Hill Grassland
Wildlife
- Monkey, barking deer, wild pig, jungle cat,
wild dog and about 140 avifauna species inhabit
the Popa area. The dusky leaf monkey is a scarce
animal and about 150 monkeys live in the Popa
Mountain Park.
Conservation, Development and Research
Programmes
- Conservation of natural forest
- Enrichment planting with indigenous tree
species.
- Establishment of Popa Mountain Resorts,
construction of mountain circuits and
maintainance of golf course to facilitate
recreation and promote ecotourism.
- Conducting of research works on the
conservation of flora and fauna.
- Establishment of watershed Plantations.
- Conservation and planting of medicinal
plants and climbers.
- Promoting, public awarness of environmental
conservation.
- Conducting of Socio-ecimomic surveys in
nearby villages.
- Implementation of buffer zone management.
Opportunities for Study and Recreation
- Observing dry zone ecosystem, avifauna
species and other wild animals.
- Enjoyment of the natural beauty of Popa,
Oasis of the Dry Zone.
- Studying the naturally regenerated of
sandalwood species.
- Studying geological features and minerals
from and extinct volcano which erupted 25,000
years ago.
- Studying the natural forests by trekking on
foot or on horseback along the forest paths.
- Observing the medicinal plants and climbers
and conducting field research works.
- Enjoyment of natural beauty by car, horse or
on foot and playing golf.
- Lodging with meals at the Popa Mountain
Resorts of the Forest Department.
- Studying at the environmental education
centre.
Accommodation facilities
- Accommodation for about 16 persons at the
Popa Guest House and about 6 persons at the "Yenge"
Guest House.
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