All global countries possess invaluable kinds of cultural heritage and natural heritage. They are blessed by nature. If these items are damaged for various causes, it is no way to regain such kinds of heritage. Everybody needs to take care of the situation so that the lost cultural heritage will not easily be restored.
UNESCO, one of the UN agencies, designates important and invaluable heritage across the world as world heritage as part of preserving tangible and intangible heritage. These cultural heritage items are the root causes of the emergence of the society.
In this regard, UNESCO identifies cultural world heritage, natural world heritage, and cultural and natural world heritage of global countries. Moreover, the world heritage fund provides aid to relevant countries so as to preserve the heritage and heritage sites set in line with the prescribed norms. If so, aid of the UNESCO will contribute much to the host countries to smoothly preserve relevant sorts of heritage.
Reversely, armed conflicts and wars, natural disasters, pollution and uncontrollable civilization can push a heritage site into the dangerous cultural site list. If so, not only the countries but the local people will face unprecedented losses. As more than 100 world heritage sites have been lost due to humans, Myanmar people should carefully preserve their world heritage sites and memory of the world in a long-term existence.
According to the records, UNESCO has set 1,157 heritage sites in 167 countries up to January 2023, comprising 900 cultural heritage sites, 218 natural heritage sites and 39 cultural mixed with natural heritage sites. Among the global countries, Italy stands first with 58 world heritage sites, followed by China with 56 sites and Germany with 51 sites.
In Myanmar, ancient Pyu city-states such as Hanlin, Beikthano and Sri Ksetra have been recognized as world heritage sites by UNESCO since 2014 and the ancient Bagan region and landmark buildings since 2019. It is honourable for Myanmar citizens.
Moreover, UNESCO has recognized the stone inscriptions from Maha Lawkamarazein or Kuthodaw Pagoda, the gold leaves on the letter of His Majesty King Alaungphaya of Myanmar to British’s His Majesty George II, the stone inscription of Myazedi and the bell letter of His Majesty King Bayintnaung as the memory of the world.
Enlisting a site as a world heritage site can polish the image of the relevant country. From then onward, the heritage site can be recognized by the international community with official protection. Any cultural heritage site can contribute to the improvement of the tourism industry which can create chances for local people to earn income and to operate their businesses.
Reversely, armed conflicts and wars, natural disasters, pollution and uncontrollable civilization can push a heritage site into the dangerous cultural site list. If so, not only the countries but the local people will face unprecedented losses. As more than 100 world heritage sites have been lost due to humans, Myanmar people should carefully preserve their world heritage sites and memory of the world in a long-term existence.
