ICC-Angkor experts visit the development of Run Ta Ek area in Siem Reap province on June 14. ANA
The International Coordinating Committee for the Safeguarding and Development of the Historic Sites of Angkor and Sambor Prei Kuk (ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk) has expressed its support for the government's plans to develop two areas – Run Ta Ek eco-village and Peak Sneng – in Siem Reap province as relocation sites for people leaving the Angkor Archaeological Park.
The committee's endorsement was announced during the 37th technical session held on June 12-13.
Attended by Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona, Japanese embassy’s deputy chief of mission Ichitomo Taninai and UNESCO representative to Cambodia Sardar Umar Alam, the meeting showcased the significant role played by the UNESCO representative and the ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk in preserving Cambodia's cultural heritage over the past three decades.
According to ANA spokesman Long Kosal, this partnership has been instrumental in securing UNESCO World Heritage status for notable sites like Preah Vihear temple and Sambor Prey Kuk, an archaeological site identified as Ishanapura, the capital of the Chenla Empire that flourished in the late 6th and early 7th centuries AD. He also mentioned that Koh Ker temple will soon be inscribed upon the prestigious list.
Kosal emphasised the participants' support for the government's efforts in developing Run Ta Ek eco-village and Peak Sneng as relocation sites.
“The meeting participants had also voiced support for the government’s measures to develop Run Ta Ek eco-village and Peak Sneng for people who intend to relocate from the Angkor Archaeological Park,” he said.
The meeting participants recognised Cambodian experts' continual improvement of their skills and capacities, considered one of the most encouraging developments since the establishment of the ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk three decades back.
The gathering focused on assessing the implementation of recommendations adopted in the previous technical session and plenary meeting, as well as reviewing the repair and conservation activities conducted by the technical team.
On June 9, the ANA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of New Zealand signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish the Partnership Arrangement for the Angkor Water Resilience Project.
This five-year initiative, scheduled from 2023 to 2028, aims to manage the ancient irrigation system, prevent flooding in the Angkor area, and utilise natural resources for the benefit of the local community. The ANA stressed that the project would also focus on developing human resources.
The project marks the fourth collaboration between the ANA and the New Zealand government, following the Angkor Management Plan, the Angkor Participatory Natural Resource Management and Livelihoods project, and the Angkor Community Heritage and Economic Advancement programme.
In 2022, France and Japan – co-chairs of the ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk – expressed their support for sustainable conservation and development efforts in the Angkor Park. The committee, established in 1993, is nearing the end of its third mandate, but has decided to extend its term until 2033 to continue its “crucial” work.
