Mrauk-U Archaeological Site: Preservation of ancient pagodas & temples

According to the official of the Department of Archaeology and National Museum in Mrauk-U, arrangements are being made for the chemical removal process of wild plants and weeds from the ancient pagodas in order to preserve the ancient cultural heritages in Mrauk-Oo archaeological site.

Kyi Khin, Director, Dept. of Archaeology & National Museum (Mrauk-U) said "Training course of the chemical removal process of wild plants and weeds has been completed. After training, plans are underway to keep maintaining process in 2022-2023 fiscal year. Firstly, we will collect estimated conservation list of ancient buildings, pagodas and temples for conservation. And then, we will take step-by-step removal process to the densely weed and wild plant growing areas and ancient pagodas next month."

Covering of weeds and wild plants at the ancient pagodas and temples is one of the deterioration in the religious buildings. The main purpose of this conservation process is to protect and preserve ancient pagodas and temples for the long-term sustainability, the official added.

Kyi Khin, Director, Dept. of Archaeology & National Museum (Mrauk-U) said "We have conducted preservation before submission of the world heritage nomination dossier for Mrauk-Oo and also after applying the nomination. We keep doing this conservation in accordance with UNESCO guidelines. We keep maintaining ancient buildings and pagodas by conventional method and the chemical removal processes of moss and weeds."

A final proposal for the nomination of Mrauk-U on the UNESCO World Heritage List was submitted on 30th December 2021 to the World Heritage Committee.