Ayeyawady River Corridor

I visited several stretches of this tentative WHS during my 4 week trip in Myanmar in December 2012/January 2013. The Ayeyawady/Irrawaddy/Ayarwaddy River Corridor (ARC) covers a 400 km stretch of one of the last major undammed rivers in Asia. As such this tentative WHS focuses on the natural aspects and biodiversity of this important river in Myanmar.

Even though birdlife and unique river fish species are abundant, the only highlight worth mentioning is the Irrawaddy dolphin. This rare dolphin is found in the lower reaches of the river and known to help fishermen who practice cast-net fishing. However, it is not unique to the ARC and has also been spotted in the Bay of Bengal and in the Indian Ocean. Although I kept my eyes peeled whenever I was on a boat trip on the river, I wasn't lucky enough to spot the dolphin. I did manage to spot several bird species in large quantities with highlights such as the White-bellied Heron or the Lesser Adjutant which are specifically mentioned in the dossier.

In my opinion this tentative WHS would stand a far better chance as a cultural landscape or mixed site. Apart from fishing and the interdependence of local biodiversity and humans, there are a number of important religious and cultural sites which are worth visiting while visiting the Irrawaddy River. The best sections to explore in this regard would be the Mingun section in the Sagaing region. The huge uncompleted stupa (around 1790), was never completed …