Geological Conservation: Myanmar National Geopark Committee meeting

The National Geopark Committee held its meeting at the Forest Department headquarters in Nay Pyi Taw on Thursday. Chairman of the Committee Union Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation U San Oo attended the meeting and made discussion.

The committee discussed reorganizing its working committees and technical teams to develop additional geopark areas in Myanmar. It also discussed steps needed to promote Mount Popa National Park and its geosites to international visitors and to develop geotourism. The committee plans to work with relevant ministries to complete the requirements for Mount Popa to become a UNESCO Global Geopark.

Mount Popa is currently Myanmar’s first officially designated national geopark. In December 2023, 15 geosites covering about 52,318 acres in Kyaukpadaung Township of Mandalay Region were designated as Mount Popa National Geopark. The area is important for its volcanic and geological features, biodiversity, fossils and cultural heritage.

Studies have also identified ancient iron furnaces from the Bagan period and fossil remains, including ancient elephant relatives, in the wider Mount Popa area. Myanmar has also identified other areas with potential for future geoparks, including Hkakabo Razi, Putao, Indawgyi Lake, Inle Lake, Pindaya, Myeik/Manaung areas, Bilu Island and Mount Zwekabin, among others.

A UNESCO Global Geopark combines geological conservation with education, scientific research, sustainable tourism and local community development. As of June 2026, UNESCO lists 241 Global Geoparks in 51 countries, and Myanmar is not yet on that list. For Myanmar, gaining UNESCO Global Geopark status for Mount Popa could help raise international awareness of the region while supporting geological conservation, biodiversity protection and sustainable tourism.