摘要: Statements of authenticity and/or integrity　　Although areas of paddy rice between the lake and the hills are excluded from ILWS, the low intensity of cultivation, with no use of pesticides or herbicid

Statements of authenticity and/or integrity

　　Although areas of paddy rice between the lake and the hills are excluded from ILWS, the low intensity of cultivation, with no use of pesticides or herbicides, minimizes the impact of this land use on the conservation value of the property. These agricultural areas can be included in a buffer zone of the property to ensure that future development does not degrade the natural values of ILWS.

　　There are 35,000 people living around Indawgyi on the banks of the lake in 13 villages, 8 of which are populated by indigenous Kachin and 5 of which were settled by migrants in the 1990s. Whereas the Kachin are rice farmers and fish for subsistence, the migrants fish commercially and often use illegal methods, including fishing during the closed (breeding) season and electric fishing. This threat has been largely addressed through a public awareness campaign and the introduction of community managed fishing free zones. In 2012, the annual fish auction to the north of the lake was canceled by the regional government. This auction had been abused by reselling fishing rights to many fishermen who fished intensively and often tried to settle illegally.

　　The integrity of ILWS is threatened by hydraulic and small-scale gold mining. Most of the hydraulic mines are to the west of ILWS and outside its boundary but are located along streams that flow into the lake. Elevated mercury levels and increased sedimentation in the lake have been documented (Than 2006). The regional government is considering what to do with these mines.

　　Overall water quality is good. Rice cultivation currently does not apply pesticide, herbicide, or significant quantities fertilizer that would diminish water quality. Solid waste, including from an 80,000 pilgrims who camp by the lake during the Shwemitzu pagoda festival in February, requires improved management.

　　ILWS receives support from local and international NGOs and is considered to be well managed. The establishment of the fishing free zones, regular patrolling, reduction of electric fishing and fine-net fishing, the cancellation of the fishing auction, and improved forest management in the watershed, indicate a positive trend in terms of site’s natural values. Traditional fishing practices also support sustainable management. Other interventions, including the introduction of fuel-efficient cook stoves and community managed eco-tourism, are underway.