14 October 

The Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary was declared an ASEAN Heritage Park (AHP) at the 15th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Environment, held from 7-10 October in Siem Reap, Cambodia, according to the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity.

The Taninthayi Wildlife Sanctuary in Taninthayi Region and the Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary in Sagaing Region had applied for AHP status, and Htamanthi was selected as its commitments meet AHP’s standards.

Covering an area of 2,151 square kilometers, the Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary is rich in biodiversity and it is a protected area for wildlife animals.

Myanmar now has eight parks recognized as AHP: Indawgyi Wildlife Sanctuary, Khakaborazi National Park, Inle Lake, Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park, Mainmahla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary, Natmataung National Park, Lampi Island Marine National Park, and Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary.

Myo Win Tun (Monywa) (Translated by Ei Myat Mon)