Saving Grace: Can Cambodia's Ancient Site of Angkor be Preserved?

Abstract

ABSTRACTFor 1,200 years Cambodia's historic royal complex of Angkor, one of the world's architectural wonders, has survived all threats from man and nature. But the greatest pressures on Angkor have come during the late 20th century, especially the devastation caused by more than two decades of war and civil strife. Now, with increased conservation and restoration efforts initiated by the World Monuments Fund and other international cultural institutions and coordinated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco), three new threats have emerged. One is an increase in the looting of the sculptures and bas-reliefs decorating the sides of temples, galleries, and terraces. The second is the lack of a comprehensive, coordinated plan for conservation. The third, with potentially the most destructive results, is the uncontrolled development of the sacred site as a major tourist attraction.