The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture submitted its application to UNESCO to recognise Mrauk U as a World Heritage Site in January yet there are certain concerns around the matter as Mrauk U sits in the very epicentre of continuing clashes between the Tatmadaw (military) and Arakan Army (AA).
The Myanmar Archaeology Research expresses hope that peace will soon return to the area but as far as there are security problems in the region, it might be difficult to get the UNESCO's approval.
The World Heritage Sites Department within the Ministry has already come up with a management plan for the ancient zone as well as a strategy to solve the conflict and protect the area.
Mrauk U is located in the Rakhine state. An important archeological site, between the 15th and 17th centuries it used to be the capital of Mrauk U Kingdom, the most powerful of all Rakhine kingdoms.
Mrauk U's numerous pagodas feature beautiful architecture and the town's water system is unique.
While tourism industry is the most fastest growing sector in the region, Mrauk U remains relatively rarely visited compared to such destinations as Bagan or Inle Lake.
The UNESCO's decision on Mrauk-U's application is expected to be taken by April 2020. If the application is accepted, then the UNESCO experts will conduct a site inspection between September and January next year.
Mrauk U in Myanmar Suggested for Listing as UNESCO World Heritage Site
News in Asia
Shortly after Bagan ancient town was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Myanmar has submitted an application to include Mrauk U, an archeological town in Rakhine State, into the list of the World Heritage.