An ICC-Preah Vihear delegation inspects restoration work at the Koh Ker archaeological site on March 16. Culture Ministry
The International Coordinating Committee for Preah Vihear (ICC-Preah Vihear) held its 9th Plenary and Technical Meeting on March 19, chaired by Minister of Culture and Fine Art Phoeung Sackona.
Zhu Zhiyi, head of the Foreign Affairs Department at the Chinese Academy of Cultural Heritage (CACH), Indian ambassador to Cambodia Devyani Uttam Khobragade and representatives from five other member states – Belgium, France, Japan, Thailand and the US – also participated.
The meeting saw attendance from various national and international institutions, including about 100 individuals from the APSARA National Authority (ANA), the National Authority for Sambor Prei Kuk (NASPK) and numerous local and international researchers, as reported in a press release by the National Authority for Preah Vihear (NAPV) on March 19.
According to the release, international experts praised the NAPV working group for its enhanced scientific research capabilities and temple preservation methods.
The authority recently completed the repair of the west bridge of Gopura V and constructed a wooden bridge there, aiming to aid tourist access across the ancient stairs to the north and the fifth gopura of the temple, located in Preah Vihear province.
The meeting showcased the progress of the gopura’s restoration by Indian experts. It also included a report on the risk assessment study of Gopura I, II and III, aimed at guiding future renovation and conservation plans by experts from CACH.
The findings of excavations conducted by Japanese experts at ancient kilns in the Koh Ker temple complex, also located in Preah Vihear province, were presented and the results of archaeological research and repair of brick towers and a risk assessment study on the Kraham Temple by NAPV conservation experts were also highlighted.
“Both national and international experts have endorsed the study results on a project aimed at improving the ring road at the Koh Ker [archaeological site]. The project’s objective is to mitigate impacts on the temple complex’s infrastructure and to enhance conservation efforts and tourist travel,” stated the press release.
It highlighted, in particular, the significance of a study conducted by the French Institute of Asian Studies (EFEO), focused on the smelting of steel, copper and ancient brass found in Preah Vihear province’s Chheb district.
The report has prompted international experts to recommend preserving these areas for future research.
The NAPV and the ICC-Preah Vihear permanent secretariat plan to conduct another technical meeting in September to monitor the implementation of decisions from the previous session and review the ongoing conservation and sustainable development efforts at both temples.
The ICC-Preah Vihear meetings are biannual events with the purpose of overseeing and assessing the activities at the two resort areas, conducted by the NAPV in collaboration with international partners.
