Safeguarding Bagan: Endeavours, Challenges and Strategies

Bagan Archaeological Area, a sprawling cultural landscape covering over 100 km² along the Ayeyarwady River in Myanmar's central dry zone, faces significant threats to its preservation despite renewed efforts for UNESCO World Heritage inscription since 2012. The site, renowned for its 2,500+ ancient Buddhist monuments, intricate water management systems, and exceptional mural paintings, requires an integrated management system to address challenges from uncontrolled development. This study highlights the urgent need for detailed assessments and strategic safeguarding measures to protect Bagan's archaeological vestiges, architectural marvels, and living traditions, which include festivals and rituals sustained by locals, pilgrims, and monks.

Weise, K. (2016). Safeguarding Bagan: Endeavours, Challenges and Strategies. Journal of Heritage Management, 1(1), 68–84. https://doi.org/10.1177/2455929616636193