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via UNESCO, 07 December 2023: At the Naples Conference on Cultural Heritage in the 21st Century, Koh Ker in Cambodia was highlighted as a model for cultural heritage management and peacebuilding. The conference, which took place in November 2023, focused on exploring synergies between the 1972 World Heritage Convention and the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Koh Ker’s journey from a site affected by civil war to a UNESCO World Heritage site was showcased, emphasizing its role in fostering peace, resilience, and community involvement in heritage preservation. The conference concluded with the adoption of the “Spirit of Naples,” a call for action on protecting cultural, tangible, and intangible heritage globally.
In his presentation, Mr. Puthikar emphasized the long-term effects of the civil war on the Koh Ker cultural heritage site and the challenges faced in combatting looting and illicit trafficking of cultural heritage. He highlighted Koh Ker as an exemplary case of resilience and “building back better” from the impact of conflict. Mr. Puthikar stated, “Culture is a powerful tool that not only brings people together but also bridges the gap of misunderstanding and contributes to mitigating conflict and war, bringing out the idea of peace.”
The presentation showcased the journey of Koh Ker, from the years of conflict to achieving UNESCO World Heritage status in September 2023, including with the support of the Heritage Emergency Fund. The HEF-funded project implemented at Koh Ker included demining operations, community-based workshops for the prevention of cultural property theft, and activities to strengthen disaster risk resilience at the site, addressing risks posed by both human activities and natural hazards.
