"Now is a key moment for Yangon, Myanmar?s most important urban economic centre. The current political transition and substantial international good will provide a once-in-alifetime opportunity to set the city in a new direction. This is also the last best chance to avoid the urban planning mistakes of regional neighbours. Yangon?s built, cultural and natural heritage should be carefully conserved during future growth to ensure the city can be regionally competitive and liveable. Yangon is one of the world?s great heritage cities, containing an unparalleled collection of heritage assets ? these include traditions, communities and memories as well as physical things like parks, buildings and whole neighbourhoods. The city has a rich history as the stage upon which national independence was won and the foundations of modern Myanmar were laid. Great writers, artists and leaders from across Myanmar and the world have lived and worked here. This broad variety of peoples and traditions gives the city its strong cultural identity..."......"Contents Executive Summary 4 The Yangon Heritage Trust 8 Introduction 11 A Key Moment for Yangon 12 The Importance of Cities 14 The Importance of Heritage Conservation 16 The Importance of Urban Planning 20 Vision 25 Liveability 33 Strategy 43 Action Plans 51 Annexes 141 A: Glossary 142 B: References 144 C: Image Credits and Notes 146 D: Acknowledgements