Following the 28 March 2025 earthquake, SEAMEO SPAFA led a joint on-site technical mission to Myanmar’s ancient cities of Amarapura, Innwa, and Mandalay from 14 to 21 July 2025. The mission, supported by the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund, was conducted in collaboration with ICOMOS, ICCROM, and regional experts to assess the damage and risks to Myanmar’s cultural heritage—both tangible and intangible.
Key heritage sites visited included:
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Shwe Gu Gyi Monastery (Amarapura)
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Melnu, Kyauk Lain, and Lay Htet Gyi Kyaung Monasteries (Innwa)
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Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda
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Kuthodaw Pagoda
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Mandalay Palace
The team carried out emergency stabilization measures and applied a refined Rapid Visual Inspection (RVI) protocol to guide future assessments and recovery efforts. These immediate actions contribute to long-term planning for the safeguarding and rehabilitation of Myanmar’s invaluable cultural assets.
This mission marks a critical step in SEAMEO SPAFA’s ongoing commitment to disaster risk management in the heritage sector, and it reflects the Centre’s leadership in coordinating regional cooperation for heritage protection.
