The introduction of Capacity Building for Safeguarding Cultural Heritage in Myanmar (Third phase) in progress.
Capacity Building for Safeguarding Cultural Heritage in Myanmar (Third phase) would be supportive of putting Bagan into World Heritage list and enhancing efficiency in archaeological research and conservation, said Union Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture Thura U Aung Ko yesterday.
He was speaking at the introduction ceremony of the project funded by the Italian government and implemented by the ministry in cooperation with the UNESCO.
The project will prioritize the ministry’s needs and national level actions, said the minister, explaining the government’s ardent efforts to restore earthquake-hit Bagan one of the famous tourist destinations of the world. The UNESCO experts are aiding the restoration work, he said.
The restoration of the rich ancient heritages of Myanmar benefits its posterity, said Italian Ambassador Mr. Pier Giorgio Aliberti, adding, both Italy and Myanmar have the same goal of further cementing bilateral cooperation in the field. As Italy favours the work of safeguarding ancient cultural heritages, the country will continue assisting Myanmar till the project achieves success, he assured.
UNESCO resident representative Ms. Min Jeong Kim, Director-General of Archaeology, National Museum and Library Department U Kyaw Oo Lwin, and Mr. Michele Romono, a junior professional officer of UNESCO took part in the discussions. The ceremony at Novotel Hotel in Yangon ended with the concluding remarks by Mr. Maurizio Di Calisto, director of the Italian Agency of Development Cooperation.
The first phase of the project was launched in 2012 during which trainees learnt advanced GIS knowledge. The second phase reinforced the successful results of its predecessor and laid foundation for putting Bagan in the World heritage list.
The third phase serves as the provider of management programs for the three ancient Pyu cities the first ever World heritage of Myanmar.