Cambodia gets praise for urban heritage preservation

State officials at the Norodom Sihanouk Memorial. Pic/AFP

The UNESCO has highly appreciated Cambodia's commitment to strengthen urban heritage preservation. "Urban heritage, including its tangible and intangible components, constitutes a key resource in enhancing the liveability and resilience of urban areas, and fosters economic development and social cohesion in a changing environment," the UN agency said in statement on Friday.

The commendation came after Prime Minister Hun Sen on Tuesday issued a circular on preventing the demolition of heritage buildings in the kingdom, aiming at promoting heritage conservation and sustainable development. In line with the Law on the Protection of Cultural Heritage promulgated in 1996, the circular was designed to preserve urban heritage buildings, including religious, public and private habitats and ancient houses.

"Cambodia has a long-standing record for its efforts on cultural conservation, and this circular will further strengthen the balance between urban growth and sustainable development," the UNESCO said. The circular will also promote the universal respect for cultural rights for all through the restoration," it added. The Southeast Asian nation has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Angkor Archaeological Park, the Temple of Preah Vihear, and the Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk.

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