An official involved in the conservation of the species said the tally of 70 was confirmed during the 10-day survey conducted jointly by Kachin State, Sagaing and Mandalay regions’ fisheries departments and wildlife conservationists. The 70 dolphins found in the survey were between Minkun village and Bhamo.

Education programs for resident villagers will have to be carried out to prevent further dolphin deaths. That is good news for Myanmar not only for saving this species and its environment but also for the boon this will give the countries tourism industry.  Dolphin-based tourism to attract more foreigners is to be expanded, and five villages with traditional fishing have been included in dolphin-based tours since last year.

Unfortunately, the population of this critically endangered dolphin in the Cheuteal trans-boundary pool between southern Laos and northern Cambodia has shrunk by 50 per cent this year alone and the population is functionally extinct in Laos, according to WWF.

Obviously, there are still many things we need to do to save the planet and secure the future of tourism within Asia. At ASIA DMC, product and corporate focus is dedicated to the celebration of Asia and the protection of its people, culture and environment to showcase responsible travel experiences and solutions with creativity, passion, in-depth local knowledge and expertise. ASIA DMC works closely with the HG Foundation - which is owned and managed by parent company HG Holdings – who are leading numerous community and environmental initiatives within the region.