YANGON, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar is working to try to get its ancient city of Inwa listed on the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), according to the Department of Archaeology and National Museum (Mandalay branch) on Thursday.
Inwa, along with other ancient cities in Myanmar, has been on the tentative list since 1996. After the Pyu Ancient Cities and archaeological site Bagan were inscribed on the UNESCO list, the focus was shifted to Inwa, Than Htike, a director at the department told Xinhua.
Currently, efforts are being made to collect data, conserve sites, and monitor conditions for readiness, he said.
In addition, a heritage conservation committee has been established to ensure the sustainable development of Inwa. This committee aims to protect the heritage sites and provide educational opportunities for both local and international visitors, he added.
Inwa, also known as Ava and located in the Mandalay Region, was an ancient capital of Myanmar from the 14th to the 19th century, and is home to over 960 ancient buildings and pagodas. ■
