Bagan named UNESCO World Heritage Site
7/15/2019 11:48:56 PM
haiviet The recognition by the UN’s cultural body will serve to boost demand from both Western and Asian markets, the tourism industry says. But meeting conservation pledges and effective local governance will be critical for the area’s future.
UNESCO inscribed
Myanmar’s ancient capital of Bagan as a World Heritage Site on Saturday (Jul 6), nearly a quarter of a century after the complex of Buddhist temples was first nominated for listing. The decision recognises the importance of the central Myanmar site – which includes more than 3,500 stupas, temples, monasteries and other structures built between the 11th and 13th centuries – and will likely be a boon to Myanmar’s tourist industry.
The Myanmar proposal to list the site was approved at a meeting of the UN’s cultural body in Baku, Azerbaijan. The International Council on Monuments and Sites recommended the listing, noting that Myanmar had adopted a new heritage law and had formed plans to reduce the impact of hotels and tourism developments around the temple.
Bagan was first nominated as a World Heritage Site in 1995, but the military government that ruled the country at the time was accused of ignoring experts’ advice on restoration efforts and the nomination was rejected. Myanmar has renewed efforts to list the site since a transition from military rule began in 2011.
Today they are celebrating the joyous moment of the successful inscription of Bagan in the World Heritage List. Afterwards we will continue our efforts on conservation and management of Bagan so that this treasured heritage will remain for another thousand years.
