Mt Khakabo Razi to be nominated for UNESCO’s world heritage site status

Mount Khakabo Razi is the highest mountain in Myanmar.

Yangon January 24

Myanmar government will take actions to nominate Mt Khakabo Razi, the highest snow-capped mountain in South East Asia for UNESCO’s recognition as a world’s heritage site, said Daw Ohnmar Myo, national planning officer of UNESCO in Myanmar.

The nomination is part of the efforts to systematically conserve the mountain in Kachin Sate. At the foot of the mountain lies national park and both the mountain and the park are home to rare and endangered species in South East Asia.

The national park is located in Naungmung Township in Kachin State. It occupies an area of 3,810 square kilometres (1,472 sq mi) and was established in 1996.

The remote area in northernmost part of the country was previously rarely visited by foreign travellers, but following the opening-up of the country, the mountain and the national park have become a destination for foreign explorers.

Daw Ohnmar Myo said detailed survey will be conducted on the mountain and proposal will be submitted to UNESCO. She stressed the importance of cooperation of locals in conserving the mountain. She also stressed the need to take a tough line on smugglers who trade rare and endangered species of the mountain on black market.

Towering at 5,881 meters or 19,295 feet, the snow-capped mountains attracts both local and foreign climbers.

Soe Moe

The Myawady Daily