Keep Mrauk U Clean Campaign: A Story of Community Revitalization in Myanmar
Challenges and Objectives
In the heart of Myanmar lies the ancient city of Mrauk U, a place rich in history and cultural heritage. However, in recent years, it faced a significant challenge that not only tarnished its beauty but also posed a risk to its historical sites. This case study narrates the journey of the "Keep Mrauk U Clean Campaign", an initiative aiming to transform Mrauk U into a cleaner, more responsible city.
The city of Mrauk U was confronted with a significant problem: the absence of an effective waste management system. This deficiency led to the accumulation of waste in public spaces, tarnishing the city's image and potentially damaging its historical sites. The objectives of the campaign were twofold: to transform Mrauk U into a cleaner city and to foster public awareness about the importance of waste management.
Collaboration Partners and Roles
The campaign was a synergistic effort involving various stakeholders from different sectors. The Township Municipality played a critical role by providing trash bins and managing waste disposal. The Mrauk U Youth Association, a local organization, actively participated in cleanup operations and awareness programs. Local individuals took part in cleanup activities and awareness efforts. Social media users contributed to the campaign by engaging in online awareness initiatives. Individual donors supported the campaign financially, enabling it to undertake various activities.
Revitalisation Activities
The campaign's strategy encompassed a blend of offline and online initiatives. On social media platforms like Facebook, the campaign garnered attention through a dedicated hashtag, #keepmraukooclean, spreading the message far and wide. Ground activities included organized clean-up drives, particularly focusing on areas surrounding pagodas and temples, which are of great historical significance. The campaign also emphasized community engagement, instilling a sense of responsibility among locals and tourists to maintain cleanliness.
Revitalisation Outcome
The campaign achieved several notable outcomes, albeit without a formal evaluation system. There was a marked increase in public awareness regarding waste management and environmental protection. The strategic placement of trash bins in key areas of the town was a significant physical improvement. Socially, the campaign fostered stronger community bonds and promoted the spirit of volunteerism. From a tourism perspective, these efforts helped in rebranding Mrauk U as a destination that values cleanliness and responsible tourism.
The campaign, while successful in many respects, faced its share of challenges. Limited resources and funding were major constraints. The absence of a fixed timeframe for the campaign and a formal evaluation mechanism posed difficulties in measuring its impact. Furthermore, the campaign's collaboration with the township municipality was not as effective as hoped. Despite these hurdles, the campaign managed to achieve substantial improvements in some areas. The placement of trash bins, though limited, was a step forward. More importantly, the campaign successfully heightened public awareness and involvement in environmental issues.
This is the abridged version of a case prepared by AIRI Associate Fellow Chan Mra Thandar. For further information, please email Dr. Thi Phuoc Lai Nguyen at phuoclai@ait.asia.