The cultural heritage of a country has long been regarded as an important factor for unifying citizens and building a strong sense of nation identity. For Myanmar, this means that preserving the diverse traditions and heritage of the country could be key to building a more unified and peaceful future. However, the legal framework enacted for the safeguarding of heritage has been insufficient and is still largely disregarded in Myanmar.
The link between heritage preservation and the economy has been noted by a number of international studies. Experts have said that cultural heritage could represent a potential engine for a country’s economic development, igniting local economic activities in a number of sectors. When a heritage site is properly restored and promoted, it becomes a development pole for tourism, culture,trade and entertainment activities, as well as for hotels, restaurants and other service supplying facilities. This not only helps the economic sector to grow, but also contributes to the development and improvement of the image of a city or region. In rural areas, where few economic resources are available, activities by the presence of participants at cultural events would give a boost to the local economy. The dynamics generated by heritage-related activities and events would be greatly beneficial for the country, and particularly for the Upper Burma region where the Bagan archaeological site and the Pyu Ancient Cities are located, a traditionally rural and economically backward areas. Similarly, cultural activities and heritage rehabilitation and management plans could also boost the renaissance of urban spaces. Monuments and museums, being the principal attractions for visitors, are an important source of income and contribute to a city’s image. Despite the undeniable historic value, they remain without official recognition, and are abandoned or fall prey to a ruthless modernisation rush. If a well-balanced development and management plan are put in place, those places could become terrific public spaces for dialogue and social inclusion. Moreover, with the support of culture-aware policies and international projects, they have the potential to turn into a great tourist destination.
The demand for cultural destinations has become a prominent force in the global economy, and Myanmar’s tourism sector has been on the rise since the country’s political opening. With these premises, the design and implementation of effective safeguard and management plans for its cultural heritage properties would turn Myanmar into a major destination for tourism. Such measures would also contribute to the sustainable development of the country. By encouraging the use of local resources, artists and workers, financial resources, or the untapped wealth of natural resources – the country would attract not only more visitors but also new investors and businesses. Therefore, preserving Myanmar’s past may be the gateway to developing its future.
