Myanmar to resubmit Thanaka for UNESCO World Heritage List
· Eleven Media Group Co., LtdMyanmar plans to resubmit its traditional thanaka for inclusion in UNESCO's World Heritage List, according to Daw Nan Laung Ngin, Director of the Department of Archaeology and National Museum under the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture.
Thanaka was first submitted to UNESCO for consideration in 2020. However, the organization requested additional information and revisions to the submission format, prompting the resubmission process.
“It’s not about the content. UNESCO has already accepted the essence of our submission. The issue lies in the format—it didn’t align with their requirements. They requested a ‘refreshed’ submission, meaning we can rewrite and resubmit it. They also provided clear guidelines on what to include. Once we follow those guidelines, the chances of success are high,” Daw Nan Laung Ngin explained.
The revised submission will address UNESCO's specific recommendations, ensuring that all necessary details are included for reconsideration.
Myanmar’s traditional Chaik longyi can be submitted if the relevant community takes the initiative, according to officials.
“Chaik longyi can be submitted, but it depends on the efforts of the relevant community. We can search for information locally and complete the necessary forms,” they explained.
To be included in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List, an item must first be recognized as a national-level intangible cultural heritage.
The Chaik longyi has already achieved this status. However, it is the responsibility of relevant community or organizations—not the government—to submit nominations to UNESCO.
As of March this year, Myanmar has 2,289 heritage sites listed as national-level intangible cultural heritage. Community organizations play a key role in submitting these sites to UNESCO.
The Myanmar Thingyan festival, designated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO on December 5, is the first intangible cultural heritage of Myanmar to receive such recognition.
In addition to cultural traditions, Myanmar boasts UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the ancient Pyu city-states of Sri Khittra, Hanlin, and Beikthano, designated in 2014, and the Bagan region, designated in 2019.