VOICED : Myanmar's edible bird nest industry comes home to roost

In southern Myanmar, concrete birdhouses are used to produce edible bird nests, a costly delicacy made from bird saliva. These nests are a major business in Bo Pin, with China as the top buyer. The nests are consumed in soups and desserts, valued for their health benefits and beauty-enhancing properties. The industry is booming, with global sales reaching $5 billion. Locals have embraced the practice, dedicating entire floors to birdhouses and consuming the nests themselves. The industry has grown significantly over the past decade, with man-made roosts becoming common to meet the increasing demand.

How has the demand for bird nests changed in recent years?

What health benefits are associated with consuming bird nests?