The emerald-green waters of Twin Taung Lake are ringed by the sides of a volcanic crater and the sight is a picturesque one. Aung Myint said the lake is also one of the few places in the world where blue-green spirulina grows naturally.
This species of algae is protein-rich and is said to enhance the body’s immune system as well as control cholesterol levels. Twin Taung Lake’s spirulina does not require mixing seaweed or other additives for it to retain its inimitable properties.
The discovery of spirulina in the lake three decades ago prompted local authorities to allow the establishment of a farm to harvest it. Aung Myint said Myanmar would be in a better position to conserve the uniqueness and ecosystem of Twin Taung Lake if it received official UNESCO recognition.
Twin Taung Lake is situated in the west central part of Myanmar and is around 110kms from Mandalay. Tour agencies in Mandalay run excursions that cover Twin Taung Lake and Mohnyin Thambuddhei Paya Temple at Monywa.
Myanmar lake aims for UNESCO listing
News in Asia
Myanmar’s Ministry of Environmental Conservation has started a campaign to get Twin Taung Lake listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Announcing the plan, the general secretary of the nation’s Renewable Energy Association, Aung Myint, said staff would be providing the technical expertise needed to submit the nomination request.