The recognition of Bagan, Myanmar, with the ASEAN Smoke-Free Award, is a significant achievement. Bagan is the ancient city of Myanmar, and its historical significance is that it is known for its wonderful temples and ancient landscapes. The recent recognition of Bagan with the ASEAN Smoke-Free Award is not just an acknowledgement of the city’s commitment to public health but also a testament to its dedication to preserving its cultural heritage.
The ASEAN Smoke-Free Award is a prestigious award given to cities and regions within Southeast Asia that demonstrate outstanding efforts in creating smoke-free environments. This initiative aligns with global public health goals and reflects the growing recognition of the importance of smoke-free spaces in enhancing quality of life. For Bagan, receiving this award is a significant milestone, especially given the city’s unique challenges and responsibilities in balancing the needs of a growing tourism industry with the preservation of its ancient heritage.
Bagan, an ancient city located in the Mandalay Region of Myanmar, was officially inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2019. Known for its stunning temples, pagodas, stupas, and ruins, Bagan showcases magnificent architecture that has dramatically influenced Burmese temple design. The Bagan Archaeological Museum, housing numerous rare Bagan period artefacts, including the original Myazedi inscriptions (the Rosetta stone of Burma) and Anawrahta’s Palace, are must-visit highlights. With a land area of 104 square kilometres and a population of over 150,000, Bagan offers a rich cultural experience and a glimpse into Myanmar’s glorious past, all while being a smoke-free destination that enchants visitors with its timeless beauty and historical significance.
The recognition of Bagan with the ASEAN Smoke-Free Award also highlights the importance of community involvement in public health initiatives. The success of Bagan’s smoke-free policy is likely due in large part to the support and cooperation of residents, business owners, and tourists. This collective effort underscores the importance of public awareness and education in the fight against tobacco use, particularly in culturally sensitive areas.
The ASEAN Smoke-Free Award is an initiative by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to recognize and promote efforts towards creating smoke-free environments in the region. The award is given to cities, municipalities, and other entities that have implemented comprehensive smoke-free policies and have demonstrated significant progress in reducing tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke.
The ASEAN Smoke-free Award (ASA) is a prestigious recognition celebrating cities, municipalities, provinces, and states across the ASEAN region that demonstrate exemplary commitment to implementing and maintaining smoke-free environments. This award highlights the importance of effective smoke-free policies and their significant impact on public health, environmental quality, and overall well-being. The smoke-free places based on the Policy Guidelines of Establishment of Smoke-free Areas in the Bagan heritage zone: ancient monuments, Government offices, Hotels, NyaungU airport, Pagodas, Playgrounds/parks, Restaurants, Schools, Temples and Workplaces.
Political Will: The District Governor of Bagan, in coordination with related government departments and social organizations, demonstrates unwavering and sustained support for the smoke-free campaign. This commitment is evident through the official letters issued by the District Governor designating government offices, schools, hotels, restaurants, and pagodas as 100 per cent smoke-free places.
On 18 September 2023, during a briefing on the progress of the ‘Smoke-Free Bagan Heritage Places Campaign’ held at the Office of District General Administration, the District Administrator of Bagan NyaungU District pledged to the Director-General of the Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, that the District Administration Management Committee is firmly committed to establishing Smoke-free Heritage Places for Bagan, under the guidance of the Ministry of Health and the Mandalay Regional Government.
2023 accomplishments: From 92 smoke-free places established on 12 June 2021, additional places were established, bringing the number of smoke-free places to 102 on 1 May 2023. A Supervisory Committee Meeting on the Review of the Implementation of the “Smoke-Free Heritage Places, Bagan” project was organized on 19 May 2023. A Review and Advocacy Meeting with members of the Supervisory Committee and community representatives on the implementation of “Smoke-Free Heritage Places, Bagan” project was organized on 30 May 2023 together with the PHF team and joined the National Review Workshop on Smoke-Free Places of All States/Regions held at Nay Pyi Taw from 25-26 July 2023, and submitted the plan and implementation of “Smoke-Free Heritage Places, Bagan” project.
Outdoor Advertisements: There are no tobacco advertisements in the Smoke-free World Heritage Bagan. Instead, there are prominent ‘No Smoking’ signs, smoke-free posters, billboards, and graphic health warning posters in various public places. These visible signs are displayed at pagodas and other public areas to raise public awareness about Smoke-free World Heritage Bagan.
Key Messages- Bagan has smoke-free/tobacco control messages printed on posters and billboards placed in strategic areas of the city. In addition, it has a large, visible “SMOKE-FREE BAGAN OUR HERITAGE OUR PRIDE” billboard at the entrance of the city, which is a declaration that Bagan is a smoke-free city.
As part of establishing smoke-free areas in Bagan Ancient Cultural Heritage, the Smoke-free Policy Guidelines include a directive to never negotiate with the tobacco industry. On behalf of the Chairman, the Deputy Director of the District Administration Council in NyaungU District issued this directive on 4 August 2023. Since then, there have been no reports of tobacco industry interference in the implementation and enforcement of the smoke-free policy in Bagan.
Government Support- All government offices in Bagan are smoke-free, and there is no opposition from government officials to the vigorous enforcement of the smoke-free law. However, there is no government budget/allocation to support the enforcement of the smoke-free law.
By implementing smoke-free policies in such a historically and culturally significant area, Bagan not only enhances the experience for visitors but also sets a positive example for other regions in ASEAN. The award highlights the city’s efforts to create a cleaner, healthier environment, benefiting both residents and tourists while safeguarding the ancient city’s legacy for future generations. Myanmar team received the ASEAN Smoke-free Award at the National Convention Centre, Vientiane Capital, Laos PDR, on 8 August 2024.
Bagan’s smoke-free initiative is particularly commendable because it represents a forward-thinking approach to tourism and public health. The ancient city, with its thousands of pagodas, stupas, and temples, is a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world. However, this influx of tourists also brings challenges, including the potential degradation of the environment and cultural sites. By implementing smoke-free policies, Bagan is not only protecting its physical heritage from the harmful effects of tobacco smoke but also ensuring the air quality.
The impact of smoke-free policies in Bagan extends beyond just health benefits. It enhances the overall visitor experience, making the site more welcoming and enjoyable. Tourists can now explore the temples and the surrounding areas without the distraction of cigarette smoke, contributing to a more serene and contemplative environment. This aligns with the spiritual and cultural atmosphere that Bagan embodies, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the beauty and history of the area.
Moreover, Bagan’s achievement serves as an inspiration to other cities and regions within Myanmar and across the ASEAN community. It demonstrates that heritage sites can be effectively managed in a way that prioritizes both cultural preservation and public health. Bagan’s success story is a powerful example of how local governments and communities can work together to implement policies that have far-reaching positive effects.
In conclusion, the ASEAN Smoke-Free Award presented to Bagan is a well-deserved recognition of the city’s efforts to create a healthier, cleaner, and more sustainable environment. It is an achievement that not only benefits the people of Bagan but also serves as a model for other heritage sites in the region. As Bagan continues to preserve its ancient wonders while embracing modern public health practices, it stands as a shining example of what can be accomplished when tradition and innovation work hand in hand. The award is a proud moment for Bagan, Myanmar, and the entire ASEAN community, showcasing the importance of smoke-free environments in protecting both people and heritage.
