Programs & Events
U.S. to Provide Nearly $1 Million for Preservation Work at Phnom Bakheng
Siem Reap
June 04, 2008
U.S. Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Piper A. W. Campbell announced today that the U.S. government will provide $978,705 -- through the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation -- to the World Monuments Fund (WMF) for continued preservation and conservation work at Phnom Bakheng Temple, located within the Angkor Archaeological Zone. The announcement was made in Siem Reap at the 17th Technical Committee Meeting of the International Coordinating Committee (ICC) for the historic site of Angkor.
In her announcement, Chargé Campbell stated, "The Historic City of Angkor is one of the world’s cultural and architectural wonders. Conserving its monuments, which are a crucial part of Cambodian history, is one way to promote peace and prosperity in the country. This grant is therefore a significant diplomatic gesture, and it is important to note that it was made possible by strong Congressional interest."
This grant will allow WMF to conduct a second phase of conservation work at Phnom Bakheng that will focus on the temple’s primary East Elevation, the most visible -- and most heavily damaged -- part of the site. Phase II will address some of the most urgent challenges at Phnom Bakheng, such as protecting the temple structure from further deterioration through stabilization, waterproofing, repairs and partial reconstruction. Phase I of WMF's work at the temple -- conducted between 2004 and 2007 with a separate $550,000 grant from the State Department -- included archaeological research, conservation assessments, the creation of a plan for the management of tourism at the site, and emergency conservation measures.
Over the last several years, the U.S. government has provided more than $866,000 to fund cultural preservation projects in Cambodia, and U.S. museums and foundations continue to work with their Cambodian counterparts on efforts to repair and catalogue Cambodia’s treasures. Additionally, the U.S. and Cambodia are currently in the process of renewing the 2003 bilateral agreement that imposes import restrictions on Khmer archaeological materials entering the United States. This agreement made it possible for the U.S. government to repatriate to Cambodia last year a looted Apsara dancer smuggled into the United States.
Created by Congress in 2001, the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation assists less developed countries preserve museum collections, ancient and historic sites, and traditional forms of expression, helping to reinforce cultural identity and community solidarity. The Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation provides an opportunity for U.S. Embassies to directly demonstrate America’s respect for the cultural heritage of host countries, and to play an active role in protecting those heritages. Since its inception, the Fund has awarded 436 preservation grants in 119 countries.
The World Monuments Fund is the leading independent organization devoted to saving the world’s great places where civilization has left its mark. For over 40 years, working in more than 90 countries, WMF's highly skilled experts have applied proven and effective techniques to preserve the world's treasured places. Through partnerships with local communities, funders, and governments, WMF inspires an enduring commitment to stewardship for future generations. Headquartered in New York, WMF has offices and affiliates worldwide.
