Design and Development of a Sustainable Tourism Indicator based on Human Activities Analysis in Inle Lake, Myanmar

Abstract Inle Lake encompasses immense cultural and biological features, it is the second biggest Lake in Myanmar and it is home to different ethnic groups such as Intha, Pa-O and Shan people that have been making the lake their source of revenue for several decades. Conversely, some of the activities being performed by these communities have caused diverse environmental challenges for the lake. The risk of losing part of the lake ecosystem, including local endemic fish, snails and migratory birds has been increasing in recent times. Though, there is a lack of leadership and control over these actions. Tourism is one of these key activities that can either be a difficulty or an answer to the lake ecosystem conservation. To analyze the range of actions within the lake, this document develops a methodology that analyzes and places the main hazardous activities in one scheme, it evaluates its social, economic-social and ecological cumulative impacts, and refer the main stakeholders involved in it. The outcome information from the study aims to facilitate information analysis to formulate strategies to switch from harmful activities on the lake towards Sustainable Tourism actions. The research paper indicates the methodology of incorporating data into the indicator table and its value as Sustainable Tourism analysis tool for different stakeholders, the analysis tool aims to be a sample for other case studies analyses.