Safeguarding Cultural Heritage amid Earthquake Response in the Mandalay and Sagaing Regions in Myanmar

Ohnmar Myo

Damaged monuments on the UNESCO Tentative List, including ancient cities in central Myanmar*, face extraordinary challenges to the safeguarding of their religious and architectural legacy, during the recent earthquake response process. SEAMEO SPAFA, in collaboration with the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund, undertook a preliminary survey (August-September 2025) to document the quake’s impact and assess urgent safeguarding priorities. The survey identified extensive damage which threatened the authenticity, integrity, and potential Outstanding Universal Value of the sites. Certain local responses, driven by devotion and the desire to contribute visibly to religious life, demonstrated limited awareness of heritage values. This paper discusses the current situation at the sites and proposes a phased response to ensure adherence to the principles of authenticity, integrity, and respect for traditional materials and craftsmanship. This approach prioritizes community engagement and the balance between merit-making, functional needs, the safeguarding of historical fabric, and the collective memories of central Myanmar. 

*These were included in Professor Elizabeth Moore’s final project: Buddhism, Kingship and Trade: linking cities of Central Myanmar, Lanna and Yunnan in the 14th to 18th century.