Conservation efforts appreciated at UNESCO /Japanese Funds-in-Trust Project at Bayon Temple, Angkor World Heritage site

Excellency Dr. Hang Peou, Director-General of the Authority for the Protection of the Site and Management of the Region of Angkor (APSARA) visited the Bayon Temple to see the progress of conservation work at the site, undertaken with generous financial support of the Government of Japan through the UNESCO /Japanese Funds-in-Trust. Bayon is one of the most significant monuments within the Angkor complex, and UNESCO, Waseda University and APSARA are currently cooperating on projects to restore the East Façade of the site, conserve the base reliefs of the temple, stabilize the Central Tower of the site, and improve the safety and accessibility for visitors to the site.

During the site visit, Dr. Hang Peou expressed his appreciation for the progress of the work at Bayon temple, undertaken with the close cooperation between international and national experts, facilitated by UNESCO. The Director General briefed about the significance of the risk map for the quality preservation of the temple. Prepared by APSARA, this risk map identified fragile parts of lintels, gallery roofs, and beams of the Temple, which need to be repaired for safety of visitors and staff who work at the site.

The Bayon Temple is of the most significant monuments within the Angkor complex and was constructed by the powerful King-builder “Jayavarman VII” (1125-1218; reign: 1181-1218). Since 1994, Japanese Government Team for the Safeguarding of Angkor (JASA), through the assistance of the UNESCO /Japanese Funds-in-Trust, has undertaken research and conservation work at the Angkor World Heritage Site, involving Cambodian experts.