Italy steps in with a sustainable development project for Mandalay

08 October 2016
Italy steps in with a sustainable development project for Mandalay
Tourists visit the Shwe Kyaung (Golden Temple) Buddhist temple in Mandalay, Myanmar, 08 December 2015. Shwe Kyaung also know as Shwe Nandaw Kyaung Monastery is constructed entirely of teak wood and wooden architecture of ancient Myanmar in the mid-nineteenth century by King Mindon. It was initially a part of the palace at Amarapura and it is the single remaining original structure of the Royal Palace. Photo: Hein Htet/EPA

The University of Florence is helping Mandalay with a sustainable cultural heritage project, according to a press release from the Italian embassy on October 7.
“Italy is convinced that the development of sustainable tourism is a primary reference for the protection and enhancement of the cultural heritage of Myanmar. The plan presented by the University of Florence is a fundamental starting point in this direction, especially for the development of tourism in the north of Myanmar,” said the Ambassador of Italy, Pier Giorgio Aliberti, at the launch of the “Sustainable destination plan for the ancient cities of upper Myanmar”, realized by the Universities of Florence and Mandalay in collaboration with the Italian Development Cooperation Agency and the Myanmar ministries of Tourism, Planning and Finance and Culture.
The initiative wants to promote the development of sustainable tourism in the area of Mandalay, in the context of a broader project of cooperation between the two countries aimed at preserving and enhancing the cultural heritage of Myanmar.
The Italian city of Florence is well-known for its cultural heritage and the efforts that have been made by the local authorities to preserve old buildings, making the city a beacon for tourism.
During the mission in Mandalay Ambassador Aliberti has also met the representatives of the local Chamber of Commerce, some members of the Mandalay civil society engaged in politics, environmental protection and women empowerment.
In addition, he met with the Chief Minister and the Mayor of Mandalay, whose encounter was an opportunity to confirm the commercial cooperation between Italy and Myanmar in priority sectors such as agribusiness and infrastructure, and to discuss about new forms of cooperation for the future.