The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the government of Norway have joined in efforts to save one of the most scenic lakes in the country, Inle Lake in Shan State. The lake, which is one of the favourite tourist destinations in the country is experiencing environmental degradation due to the combined effects of unsustainable resource use, increasing "population, climate change and rapid tourism development. “The native flora and fauna are endangered by exotic invasive species and the water quality, which used to be safe for consumption, is now contaminated and a source of health problems for the locals,” the UNDP said in a statement. The statement added the UNDP, in partnership with Norway, is supporting the Inle Lake Management Authority (ILMA) to address these adverse environmental, social and economic impacts by providing technical and financial assistance to further enhance the management of the Inle Lake watershed, as part of the project “Strengthening the Inle Lake Management Authority to Improve Conservation and Development”. A project workshop was held in the Shan State capital of Taunggyi on October 29 to share the project design and planned activities, which were developed in discussion with government agencies and local community groups, with a broader group of stakeholders and to formally launch the project..."