Radical restoration in Myanmar's Bagan Archaeological Zone

The Buddhist temples of Bagan in central Myanmar (also known as Burma) make for compelling images. They were certainly enough to give Bagan - which features some 3,000 temples within a 42 square kilometre area archaelogical zone - a prominent place in my itinerary during a trip to Myanmar in July 2015.

The reality was more prosaic. While Nyaung U and the other towns that serve as visitors' entry point to Bagan have little to recommend them either architecturally or aesthetically, the Burmese authorities' approach to the conservation of the 1,000-year old temples is unconventional, to put it delicately.

Rather than attempting to preserve the temples as historical sites or rebuild them in an historically authentic matter, the authorities have instead engaged in massive rebuilding using modern methods and materials. Personally, I found the results disappointing, as are some of the grandiose tourism development projects being pursued in the region, notably the monstrous Bagan Viewing Tower associated with the Aureum Palace Hotel.

Still, Bagan is well worth a visit. Away from the handful of most visited temples, there are literally hundreds of lesser temples, in varying states of repair, that are beautiful in their simplicity, natural setting and absence of tourist hordes.

While I imagine Myanmar's radical approach to conservation have not helped its case to have the Bagan Archaeological Zone declared a world heritage site, recent comments by Minister of Culture U Aye Myint Kyu recognizing the need to bring heritage conservation management in Bagan in line with international standards are welcome. The Minister's challenge will be to make good on his comments through effective action on the ground.

Global initiative launched to protect cultural heritage from terrorists and traffickers

There was welcome news from the United Nations General Assembly in New York earlier this week (September 27, 2015) with the announcement of a new initiative to enhance the protection of cultural heritage targeted by terrorists and illicit traffickers.

The initiative is in response to the recent increase in terrorist attacks and destruction of cultural heritage of countries affected by armed conflict, as well as the illicit trafficking and sale of cultural objects.

Although short in detail, "Protecting Cultural Heritage", as the initiative is known, is open to all states, international organizations and other entities wishing to join forces in support of the protection of cultural heritage from destruction or trafficking.

Ancient Irish monastic complex Skellig Michael damaged during Star Wars film shoot

Skellig Michael or Sceilg Mhichíl, a remote island off Ireland's south-west coast, is home to a monastic complex reputedly founded by St Fionan in the 7th century, and which has been a UNESCO designated world heritage site since 1996.

While the site is remarkedly well-preserved due to its inaccessibility, Irish public broadcaster RTE reported on September 26, 2015 that a stonemason was brought in to repair damage to the complex following three days of shooting by Disney LucasFilm of Star Wars Episode VII. Areas damaged include the entrance to the monastery, along with several steps.

Suspect in the destruction of historical sites in Timbuktu detained by the ICC

At a time when the so-called Islamic State continues its campaign of destruction and pillaging of ancient sites in Syria and Iraq, the International Criminal Court detained yesterday (September 26, 2015) Ahmad Al Faqi Al Mahdi, the first individual charged with war crimes in connection with similarly wanton acts in Mali in 2012.

When an Islamist group seized Timbuktu, a listed world heritage site, in April of that year, many feared for the city's remarkable architecture dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. Those fears proved justified as the Islamists destroyed many historical sites before they were forced from the city in 2013.

Now, Mr. Al Faqi faces prosecution "concerning the destruction of buildings dedicated to religion and historical monuments," having allegedly been involved in the destruction of nine mausoleums and the SidiYahia mosque.

It is to be hoped that the ICC will pursue similar cases against other perpetrators, whether in Mali or elsewhere.

WH Dispatches kick off

One of United Nations' great achievements is the protection it seeks to afford to our common world heritage. The most visible manifestation of this achievement is the World Heritage List, which inscribes more than a thousand properties of outstanding universal value in 163 countries around the world.

Sadly, however, our common world heritage is increasingly under threat, as it falls victim to uncontrolled development, climate change, armed conflict and so forth. This is a shame, for not only does this destruction rob us collectively of our past, but it leaves future generations bereft of what in many cases are irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration.

While there are any number of websites and blogs documenting and describing world heritage sites, our aim in WH Dispatches is to bring together everything that interests us about world heritage - news, photos, historical accounts, travel tips, etc - into a single portal that is hopefully of some interest to others as well.