ABSTRACT
Myanmar supports a diversity of freshwater ecosystems, from fast-flowing mountain streams to wide, slow-flowing lowland rivers, as well as lakes and wetlands. These rivers, lakes, and wetlands provide enormous economic and cultural values. Myanmar has a large marine territory. The coastline stretches from the Naf River, the dividing line between Bangladesh and Myanmar, to Kawthaung at the border with Thailand. Myanmar's variations in latitude, altitude, and climate create a variety of habitats and support correspondingly rich plant biodiversity. Myanmar is recognized as having possibly the greatest diversity of bird species in Southeast Asia, with at least 1,096 avifauna species recorded including 6 endemic species and 46 bird species listed on the Red List. In Myanmar, ecosystems, and biodiversity face threats from a range of underlying causes. More work is needed to fully understand the forces driving biodiversity loss. Myanmar is endowed with tremendous inland water resources in the form of rivers, streams, and springs.
