The area of Mt Popa which is an oasis in central Myanmar and a prominent tourist destination will soon emerge as Myanmar’s first national geopark, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation.
The ministry and Myanmar Geosciences Society have put effort into the implementation of this ambitious plan which aims to designate the Mt Popa as the country’s first national geopark as well as the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Association (UNESCO) listed geopark.
“Geoparks are already present and this plan is to conserve them. The current designation is to set up geoparks beginning in 15 areas which are under proper supervision of the ministry. Actually, there are also many geoparks-to-be under the management of other ministries,” said an MoNREC official.
The designation of a geopark may bring restrictions for conservation but it will help the area to be vibrant with many visitors and in turn, many job opportunities will develop for residents and their socioeconomic livelihoods will be better.
“The process of the designation of the national park is in progress and will finalize soon,” the official affirmed.
Htet Oo Maung/ZS
