Unesco has inscribed Bagan as a World Heritage site, nearly a quarter of a century after the complex of Buddhist temples was first nominated for listing, The Straits Times reported.

The International Council on Monuments and Sites recommended the Myanmar listing, noting that the country had adopted a new heritage law and had formed plans to reduce the impact of hotels and tourism developments around the temple.

Bagan was first nominated as a World Heritage site in 1995, but the military junta that ruled the country then was accused of ignoring experts' advice on restoration efforts and the nomination was rejected.

Myanmar has renewed efforts to list the site since a transition from military rule began in 2011.

This photo shows a general view of ancient pagodas in Bagan on July 6, 2019. - The UNESCO World Heritage Committee on July 6 approved the registration of the ancient city of Bagan as a World Heritage site. Photo: Ye Aung Thu/AFP