Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady (or Irrawaddy) River is the largest remaining undammed river system in Southeast Asia. Globally significant populations of threatened and endemic species, including a Critically Endangered local subpopulation of Irrawaddy Dolphin as well as the Critically Endangered Black-bellied Tern and White-bellied Heron rely on this river and lush wetlands to survive. East Asian-Australasian flyway populations of Ruddy Shelduck, Glossy Ibis, Little Pratincole, Yellow-breasted Bunting, Woolly-necked Stork and many others also depend on this corridor.

But, this ecosystem is at risk.  Unsustainable fishing practices, encroachment of agriculture, hunting and trapping, illegal gold and sand mining, potential dams for hydropower and irrigation, and channelization for water regulation and river transport are threatening this vital and vibrant natural area.

Rainforest Trust and our partner, Fauna and Flora International, are working to safeguard 74,132 acres of critical wetland habitat along two sections of the Ayeyarwady River in Myanmar. These areas will be protected through the development of a community-based network of formally designated Fish Conservation Areas and Community Protected Areas along the river.

Header photo:  The Irrawaddy Dolphin, by Na Me

Save River Ecosystems For Rare Species

The Ayeyarwady River harbors an exceptional diversity of fish—essential for local livelihoods—with 388 recorded species. Fifty percent of these fish are endemic to the river basin. The river also supports the only two known nesting sites in the world for the endemic Critically Endangered Burmese Peacock Softshell Turtle. And its wetlands provide habitat for some of Myanmar’s last breeding colonies of the Critically Endangered Black-bellied Tern.

Support Communities In Managing Freshwater Fisheries

To protect the freshwater fisheries of the Ayeyarwady from exploitation, local communities will help develop and enforce a fisheries management plan. As fish populations increase in the “no-take” zones, spill-over into open fishing areas will increase catch for local fishers. This will also protect the Irrawaddy Dolphin’s food sources.