[2] The predominant ethnic groups living in the surroundings of the lake are the Shan and the Kachin, who mainly practise agriculture.

[6] A large area of natural grassland in the northern part of the lake is the home of the endangered hog deer.

A rapid assessment with local people indicated the resident population is facing threats such as subsistence hunting and habitat conversion for agriculture.

[8] Oral reports suggest the area was once a fertile valley when it suddenly flooded following an earthquake, submerging a village and killing its residents, although it remains unknown if the lake was a result of subsidence or a landslide.

In recent years, the lake and its watershed forest was recognized as an important conservation area of both national and global levels.

The comprehensive conservation strategy for Indawgyi Lake is based on practical, integrated solutions, and acknowledges the importance of local participation.

The diverse strategy focuses on nine major topics (sustainable fisheries, community forestry, research and monitoring, community-based ecotourism, environmental education, community-based waste management, sanitation, sustainable farming, livelihood development) with individual projects and approaches led by Myanmar forest department with the collaboration of INGO; Fauna & Flora International (FFI), local NGO; Friends of Wildlife, and several CSOs such as Indawgyi Natural Farming Association, Indawgyi Conservation and Development Association, Inn Chit Thu Ecotourism Development group, Shan Cultural Association and Parami Waste Management Group.