National Geopark: 15 Places In Popa Forest Areas Will Be Set

Myanmar is rich in many tourist destinations, natural resources and cultural heritages sites such as Bagan and Pyu ancient cities and so on.
15 places in Popa forest areas will be set as the first National Geopark of Myanmar and will be implemented accordance with characteristics of Geopark.
Dr. MyintSoe, Dy DG, Dept. of Geological Survey & Mineral Exploration said “Landscapes, waterfalls as well as natural stone caves are the characteristics of Geopark and they are rare and unique. Geoparks are set with the aim for sustainable development, to conserve natural environment and to be interested in geology by the new generation. There are about 40 or 50 places to set geopark according to our research but we are under coordination. As the 1st step, we will set 14 places in Popaforest areas and Dae Moe Paing village in the southern part of KyaukPadaungTownship.”
The official of the Department of Geological Survey & Mineral Exploration said that ancient cultural heritages and archaeological sites are tourist attraction and they should be preserved by generation to generation.
Dr. Myint Soe, Dy DG, Dept. of Geological Survey & Mineral Exploration said “The ancient cultural heritage, the tourist attraction places such as KyaikHteeYoe and Za Lon Taung pagodas, biodiversity like monkey species in Mt. Popa, Than Pho village that has existed since the time of King Anawrahta, traditional culture of deity worship, and elephants’ fossils and Ingyin petrified wood should be preserved for long-term sustainability. We’d like to urge the locals to participate in the geological heritage conservation as they are rare and distinctive things that can be proud of the regional beauty.”
UNESCO commenced the Global Geopark program which is implementing the development and conservation in harmony in 2001 and there are 177 Global Geoparks in 46 countries. As the implementation to recognize the National Geo Parks, the maintenance will be taken place upon rare and exotic geology heritages, traditional cultures, natural environments and create more job opportunities for locals.