Environmentally significant Nanthar Island in peril

By Admin 15 Jul 2024

DMG Newsroom
15 July 2024, Rathedaung

Nanthar Island, a national marine park in Rathedaung Township, Arakan State, faces the risk of severe degradation if not conserved with a greater sense of urgency, according to environmentalists.

Its mangrove forests were decimated by Cyclone Mocha in May of last year, and no new trees have been planted yet.

"The Forest Department has failed to regrow mangrove trees. So, few migratory birds have come to the island," said Ko Yan Naung Soe, chairman of the Rakhine Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Association (RBANCA).

Efforts to conserve the island have been impeded by ongoing armed conflict in Arakan State.

DMG reached out to officials from the Arakan State Forest Department, but did not get a reply.

Nanthar Island is located between the mouth of the Mayu River and the Bay of Bengal between Sittwe and Rathedaung townships, covering a total of 22,979 acres.

Nanthar Island is a popular destination for migratory birds including rare species such as the spoon-billed sandpiper. Irrawaddy dolphins are also reportedly spotted there.

"Critically endangered species like spoon-billed sandpipers winter at Nanthar Island, so the island is critically important in terms of environmental conservation. It will be a threat to biodiversity if the island comes to ruin," said Dr. Khin Maung Kyi, chairman of the Rakhine Coastal Association.

Nearby villages in Sittwe and Rathedaung townships are also vulnerable to natural disasters if the island is not properly conserved, said residents.

The island was designated as a marine national park by the Ministry of Resources and Environmental Conservation in February 2022.

Nanthar Island was previously designated as a Ramsar wetland site in May 2020.

Kyun Nanthar Island, 24 nautical miles west of Kyeintali Town in Arakan State's Gwa Township, was designated as Myanmar's third marine national park in June.