UNESCO Voices Concerns Over NagaCorp Resort in Siem Reap Affecting Angkor Wat

UNESCO has voiced concerns that the US$350-million ‘non-casino resort’ by NagaCorp could cause negative impacts on the World Heritage site of Angkor Wat, although the firm claimed the site location is outside the protected zone.

UNESCO issued a statement on 17 February stating that the plenary session of the International Coordinating Committee for Angkor (ICC) addressed this project with particular attention, and the technical opinions of experts in the fields of conservation and sustainable development were clearly unfavourable to it.

“The proximity of the site, the scale, scope and concept of the planned activities could indeed have an impact on the area including its setting, the surrounding landscape, the environment and the archaeological remains, all of which are an integral part of this World Heritage property,” read the statement.

UNESCO also stated that they will continue to closely monitor the project, of which this issue could be brought to discuss in the 44th World Heritage Committee session in June-July 2021.

Announced by the NagaCorp in November last, the project is claimed to be a non-casino resort, consisting of hotels, a water theme park, indoor hi-tech theme parks, a canal and water cruise attractions, meeting, conferences and exhibitions facilities (MICE), cultural attractions, food streets and pubs. (Read more)

NagaCorp also claimed that the project will be built on an area of 75 hectares, which located outside the projected zone.

According to the firm, the new development will be completed by 2025.

- Video Advertisement -

Related Post

Cambodia Unveils Modern National Assembly Building with USD25 Million Vietnamese Aid

Cambodia has inaugurated a modern National Assembly administration building, constructed with a USD25 million aid package from Vietnam. The ceremony, held on 21 November 2024, was attended by Samdech Khuon Sodary, President of Cambodia’s National Assembly, and His Excellency Tran Thanh Man, President of the National Assembly of Vietnam, symbolising the enduring friendship between the […]

Brunei’s Khazanah Nasional Targets Multi-Sector Infrastructure Investment in Cambodia

Khazanah Nasional Berhad, a leading investment firm from Brunei Darussalam, has announced plans to explore infrastructure investment opportunities in Cambodia, focusing on health, water resources, transport infrastructure (including railways and airports), and banking. This initiative was discussed during a meeting between PM Hun Manet and Khazanah’s CEO, Mr. Dato Khairul Hamed, on 19 November 2024. […]

Japan Invests Over USD40 Million in Cambodia, Enhancing Economic Partnerships in 2024

Japan has invested over USD40 million in Cambodia during the first ten months of 2024, reaffirming its position as the seventh-largest investor in the country. This development was highlighted in a report by the Council for the Development of Cambodia, released on 19 November 2024. To further strengthen bilateral economic ties, the Cambodian Duke Association […]

Chinese Investor Zhongjiao Tongli Expands Agricultural Ventures in Ratanakkiri and Mondulkiri

China’s Zhongjiao Tongli has announced plans to invest in large-scale cultivation of bananas and mangoes across Cambodia’s northeastern provinces of Ratanakkiri and Mondulkiri, signalling a significant boost for the nation’s agricultural sector. The announcement followed a meeting between PM Hun Manet and Mr. Zhongdi Sun, President of Zhongjiao Tongli, on 6 November 2024, in Kunming, […]

Korean Firm Heungkuk Industry Eyes Investment in Cambodian Cashew Processing Sector

Heungkuk Industry, a leading South Korean construction materials manufacturer, is set to invest in Cambodia’s burgeoning cashew processing sector. The commitment was unveiled during a meeting on 19 November 2024 between HE Vongsey Visoth, Deputy PM overseeing the Office of the Council of Ministers, Mr. Lee Kee Yun, Director of Heungkuk Industry, and Professor Lee […]

ARK Electronics Group Unveils USD1.3 Billion AI driven Industrial Park Project in Kampong Speu

ARK Electronics Group, a leading Chinese company, has announced an ambitious USD1.3 billion investment to establish a 1,000-hectare industrial park in Kampong Speu Province, set to transform the province’s industrial landscape. The announcement followed a high-level meeting between HE Dr. Cheam Chansophoan, Governor of Kampong Speu Province, and Ms. Chang Venza, General Director of ARK […]