Spaces_is 9
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
site loses the character<strong>is</strong>tics described in its inscription on<br />
the World Heritage L<strong>is</strong>t, the Committee may decide to delete<br />
the property from both the L<strong>is</strong>t of World Heritage in<br />
Danger and the World Heritage L<strong>is</strong>t. However, th<strong>is</strong> prov<strong>is</strong>ion<br />
has never yet been applied. Indeed, the mere prospect of<br />
inscribing a site on th<strong>is</strong> WHDL often proves to be effective,<br />
and can incite rapid conservation action. In an ideal world,<br />
serious threats to the universal values of a site would be<br />
kept in check before reaching a critical level. Nepal’s own<br />
Royal Chitwan National Park was at r<strong>is</strong>k from a large scale<br />
river diversion programme in the early 1990’s. The World<br />
Heritage Committee was able to intervene after the threat<br />
to the bio-diversity of th<strong>is</strong> World Heritage Site was proved,<br />
resulting in the abandonment of the project. Even when a<br />
site reaches the WHDL, and there are serious obstacles to<br />
its conservation, it <strong>is</strong> possible to successfully return to World<br />
Heritage Status. Angkor archaeological park in Cambodia<br />
<strong>is</strong> home to the remains of the magnificent Khmer capital<br />
cities dating from the 9 th to the 15 th century. It <strong>is</strong> considered<br />
one of the most important sites in South East Asia and<br />
was placed directly on the WHDL after years of looting<br />
PERHAPS THE HARDEST PEOPLE TO<br />
CONVINCE ABOUT THE NEED FOR A<br />
RESPONSIBLE ATTITUDE TO CULTURAL/<br />
ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE ARE THOSE<br />
PROFESSIONALS WITHIN THE BUILDING<br />
AND RECONSTRUCTION FIELD.<br />
and neglect. The l<strong>is</strong>ting provoked an overwhelming response<br />
from native conservators and international donors who<br />
offered ass<strong>is</strong>tance to the Cambodian government. A<br />
thorough review of the development plans and proposals<br />
to safeguard Angkor was coordinated by UNESCO and as<br />
a result the Angkor park achieved full World Heritage Status<br />
in 2004.<br />
Facing page above: The Changu Narayan Temple.<br />
Facing page middle: An ancient stone sculpture in<br />
Changu Narayan prem<strong>is</strong>es.<br />
Facing page below: Elaborate gilt work attests to<br />
Changu Narayan as a important religious site.<br />
Top: Reaching to the skies - Swayambhunath Temple.<br />
Above: Prayer flags flutter in the breeze atop<br />
Boudhanath.<br />
Left: Devotees are never-ending in Swayambhunath.<br />
SPACES MAR-APR 2006 71
Change language