On 28 March 2025, Myanmar was struck by a catastrophic 7.7 magnitude earthquake, followed by hundreds of aftershocks. The devastation has been widespread, with the hardest-hit regions – Mandalay and Sagaing – suffering tragic loss of life, extensive infrastructure damage, and severe impacts on local communities and conservation areas.

Among the affected areas are three designated Flyway Network Sites (FNS) under the East Asian–Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP): Inlay Lake Wildlife Sanctuary (EAAF147), Paleik Lake (EAAF154), and Pyu Lake (EAAF155). These wetland habitats play a vital role in the conservation of the critically endangered Baer’s Pochard and other migratory waterbird species such as the Graylag Goose, the Common Pochard, and many more. Beyond their ecological importance, these sites provide essential resources and livelihoods for local communities who now face immense challenges.

The Situation on the Ground

The earthquake’s impact has been devastating for both people and nature, as outlined by BANCA (Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Association) below:

• Singaing Township: 14 lives lost, with homes and infrastructure heavily damaged.
• Tada U Township: 147 lives lost and significant destruction of buildings.
• Pyu Lake: Serious damage to the embankments of Pyu Lake with concerns about flooding during the rainy season.
• Pyu Kan Village/Taung Kan Village/Moe Non Chon village: Destruction of valuable cultural and religious sites and other structures.
• Paleik Lake/Saik Ta Ya Village: The village near Paleik Lake has been devastated, with collapsed homes, cracked roads, and the destruction of farmland and the wetland area due to mudslides.
• Inlay Lake and its 10 Villages: 100 lives lost and destruction of over 100 homes and dozens of religious and cultural sites.

These statistics however only reflect part of the story. These wetlands that support critical biodiversity and provide essential services to local communities have also suffered immensely. Immediate action is needed to prevent further degradation and to help those affected to rebuild their lives.

Where Your Donations Go

Through a partnership with BANCA in Myanmar, the EAAFP Secretariat ensures that 100% of your donations directly support the recovery efforts in Inlay Lake, Pyu Lake, and Paleik Lake.

Your contributions will help:

• Support our Flyway Network Sites by repairing damaged embankments and preventing further degradation.
• Remove debris, such as trash, fallen trees, and deceased aquatic flora and fauna from the lakes to help improve water quality.
• Rebuild communities through housing, infrastructure, and public facility reconstruction.
• Provide emergency relief such as food, medical supplies, and essential support for families in need.

Since 2016, BANCA has been an active recipient of the EAAFP Small Grant Funds, receiving support through both the World Migratory Bird Day Small Grant Fund for awareness-raising initiatives and the Small Grant Fund for Working Groups and Task Forces for monitoring and capacity building activities for local conservation groups and communities. As BirdLife’s partner in Asia and a member of the IUCN in Myanmar, BANCA frequently collaborates with international organisations to carry out monitoring and capacity-building activities. These efforts aim to empower local communities in conservation across various regions of Myanmar, including the affected Flyway Network Sites. To learn more about this organisation, please visit: https://www.banca-env.org/

Why Your Support Matters

Relief efforts are underway, but the scale of the disaster demands sustained support. Our local partners have already begun distributing food and medicine, but critical challenges remain in rebuilding homes and cultural sites, and safeguarding wetland habitats that are crucial for both wildlife and the communities that depend on them.Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a meaningful impact. Join us in supporting the recovery efforts at our Flyway Network Sites in Myanmar.

Thank you for your generosity and support in this difficult time.