Japan Commits USD 900K to Restore Bayon Temple, Enhancing Cambodia’s Cultural Legacy

• 18 December 2024
• Local News
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To boost Cambodia’s cultural heritage preservation efforts, the Japanese government has pledged an additional grant of USD 900K for the Bayon Temple Preservation and Restoration Project. This funding will support a vital three-year initiative from 2025 to 2028 to revitalize the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site.

The announcement was made on 13 December 2024 during a plenary session of the International Committee for the Coordination of the Protection and Development of the Angkor and Sambor Prei Kuk Historical Areas (ICC-Angkor and Sambor Prei Kuk).

Kawase Taro, Project Director for Multicultural Cooperation at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the importance of this initiative. “This additional funding will play a crucial role in ensuring the preservation and restoration of the Bayon temple, allowing future generations to appreciate its historical and cultural significance,” said Taro.

This commitment is part of the Japan-ASEAN (JASA) project, which has been active in the Angkor area since 1994. Previous undertakings by Japan in the region include renovating the library south of Angkor Wat, further underscoring the country’s long-standing dedication to cultural preservation in Cambodia.

The Bayon temple, renowned for its stunning stone carvings and unique architectural design, symbolizes Cambodia’s rich historical and cultural legacy. Drawing thousands of visitors annually, it is one of the most visited monuments in the Angkor Archaeological Park. The ongoing restoration project will ensure the temple’s structural stability and enhance the cultural landscape of the surrounding Angkor resort area.

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