KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA

THE TEMPLE
OF PREAH VIHEAR
INSCRIBED ON THE WORLD HERITAGE LIST (UNESCO)
SINCE 2008

Edited
by the Office
of the Council
of Ministers

PHNOM PENH
MAY 2010
 ON THE SUCCESSFUL INSCRIPTION OF THE TEMPLE OF PREAH VIHEAR ON
THE WORLD HERITAGE LIST
(07 July 2008, Quebec, Canada during the 32nd session of the World Heritage Committee)

“This is a new sense of pride for the people of our Kingdom, as well as for all the
people in the region and the world that the Temple of Preah Vihear was recognized by
ICOMOS as an outstanding masterpiece of Khmer architecture with an outstanding
universal value, and was inscribed on the World Heritage List.”
“The inscription of the Temple of Preah Vihear requires the international community
as a whole to protect and preserve this world heritage for the benefits of future gen-
erations.”

Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN

Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, 08 July 2008

“In fact, the Decision of the 31st session of the World Heritage Committee in Christchurch, New Zealand, July
2007 contains 3 conditions. First, it is essential that Cambodia strengthens the conservation of the Temple; second,
Cambodia must develop an appropriate management plan and submit it to the World Heritage Centre by
01 February 2008, because the review process would take up many months until July, to see whether or not our
management plan is appropriate; and third, Cambodia and Thailand should develop a close cooperation in support
of the inscription. If Cambodia fulfills these three conditions, then in 2008 the inscription will be automatic.
Since then we have prepared ourselves meticulously; we have done our home-works diligently; we have fulfilled
more than the requirements contained in those 3 conditions.”

His Excellency Dr. SOK AN

Deputy Prime Minister,
Minister in Charge of the Office
of the Council of Ministers, 14 July 2008
14 July 2008 celebration at the National Olympic Stadium,
Phnom Penh for the successful inscription of the Temple of
Preah Vihear on the World Heritage List, 07 July 2008 in
Quebec, Canada Photo Samreth Socheat OCM/RGC
 KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA

THE TEMPLE
OF PREAH VIHEAR
INSCRIBED ON THE WORLD HERITAGE LIST (UNESCO)
SINCE 2008
 2010 BRASILIA, BRAZIL
2009 Seville, Spain
THE TEMPLE OF PREAH VIHEAR
Theme: State of conservation
Decision 33 COM 7B.65: The World Heritage Committee notes the
developments that have occurred at the property since its inscription on
the World Heritage List, the information contained in the State Party
report and the preliminary findings of the Reinforced Monitoring Mission.

2008 Quebec, Canada

Theme: Inscription under criterion (i)
Decision 32 COM 8B.102: The World Heritage Committee inscribes the
Temple of Preah Vihear, Cambodia, on the World Heritage List under

WORLD HERITAGE
criterion (i); Criterion (i): Preah Vihear is an outstanding masterpiece of
Khmer architecture. It is very 'pure' both in plan and in the detail of its
decoration.

2007 Christchurch, New Zealand

Theme: The process for inscription is in progress
THE

Decision 31 COM 8B.24: The World Heritage Committee recognizes that

the Sacred Site of the Temple of Preah Vihear is of great international
significance and has Outstanding Universal Value on the basis of criteria
(i), (ii), and (iv), agrees in principle that it should be inscribed on the
World Heritage List and notes that the process for inscription is in
progress.
GOPURA III

GOPURA II

GOPURA I

PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE TEMPLE OF PREAH VIHEAR, FROM SOUTHWEST TO NORTHEAST;

THE PHOTO CAPTURES ONLY “GOPURA I” “GOPURA II” AND “GOPURA III”
(Photo Office of the Council of Miniters / Royal Government of Cambodia)
 GOPURA III
GOPURA II
GOPURA I

The breath-taking view from southeast to northwest of

the Temple of Preah Vihear, which is very ‘pure’ for its
adaptation to the mountain promontory, a high cliff on
which perched the Temple, at 625 metres above the
Cambodian plain. The framed photo is “Gopura V”, a
only
chamber for reception, that opens symmetrically to the v iew is so uth-north. The
the g to the
four directions. In this photo, e co ra ti ve door lookin
th e d
“Tympan” or
(Photo Office of the Council of Miniters/Royal Government of anding.
Cambodia) east is fully st
 Gopura I
Gopura II

Gopura III

Gopura IV

A panaromic view from northwest to southeast of the major section of the entire 800 metre-length
of the Temple of Preah Vihear from “Gopura IV,” (on the farthest left) to “Gopura I” (on the
farthest right). The photo shows “Gopura IV,” (on the farthest left) followed by a long walkway
linking “Gopura IV” to “Gopura III,” then a short pavement connecting “Gopura III” to “Gopura II,”
and extending to “Gopura I”, but does not include the stone staircase on the farthest north of the
Temple, “Gopura V,” and the “Sacred Walkway,” connecting “Gopura V” to “Gopura IV”. (See photo
of the five “Gopuras” and the architectural drawing of the entire 800 metre-length of the Temple
on page 96).
The lion is king of the mountain and the jungle, and the naga is king of the water and the plain in Cambodian
mythology. They are guardians of the Temple of Preah Vihear. At the center, the uniqueness and rare beauty of
the sculptures at the Temple of Preah Vihear
(Photo Office of the Council of Miniters / Royal Government of Cambodia)
 MAN-MADE BLOCS OF STONE

CARVED NATURAL MOUNTAIN ROCK

The “Sacred Walkway” between “Gopura IV” to the south and “Gopura V” to the north; A combination of the
natural mountain rock, cut and leveled into a portion of pavement and man-made blocs of stone has kept the
Temple of Preah Vihear standing over 10 centuries until now, a proof of Khmer ingenuity. Conservation and
restoration works are needed to preserve the Temple for humanity and future generations.
Photo Chhon, ANPV
 MAN-MADE BLOCS OF STONE

CARVED NATURAL MOUNTAIN ROCK

The Historical East Staircase; A combination of natural mountain rock cut into stone steps and
man-made blocs of stone kept some portions of Historical East Staircase stand undisturbed
over 10 centuries until now. The Historical East Staircase is 1.4 km long, slowly climbing up
to a height of 650 metres, another proof of Khmer ingenuity
Photo Chhon, ANPV

Recall ICOMOS evaluation criterion IV (21 January 2007): “Stairs and historical access surviving
for over a thousand years show a sophisticated technological understanding.”
Conservation efforts are seen all over the Temple area
Photo Nin, Puthikar, Sambath, National Task Forces for Conservation and Development of Preah Vihear (NTFPV)
 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

ANPV National Authority for the Protection and Development of the Preah Vihear Natural and Cultural
Site
ICCROM International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property
ICJ International Court of Justice
ICOMOS International Council on Monuments and Sites
NTFPV National Task Forces for Conservation and Development of Preah Vihear
OCM Office of the Council of Ministers
RGC Royal Government of Cambodia
RGPP Revised Graphic Plan of the Property
SCNC Supreme Council on National Culture
STEV Samdech Techo Eco-Village
WHC World Heritage Committee
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGES

1- THE LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE 1

2- THE TEMPLE OF PREAH VIHEAR IS UNDER THE SOVEREIGNTY OF CAMBODIA 2-8
(Judgment of the International Court of Justice – 15 June 1962)
3- THE KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA PROPOSES THAT THE “SACRED SITE” OF THE TEMPLE
OF PREAH VIHEAR BE INSCRIBED ON THE WORLD HERITAGE LIST 9
4- THE MEANING AND THE SCOPE OF THE WORLD HERITAGE CONVENTION 10
5- THE WORLD HERITAGE CONVENTION RESPECTS THE SOVEREIGNTY OF STATES AND THEIR RIGHTS 11
6- THE SACRED SITE OF THE TEMPLE OF PREAH VIHEAR IS OF OUTSTANDING UNIVERSAL VALUE 12 - 14
7- THE WORLD HERITAGE COMMITTEE EXPRESSES ITS SUPPORT TO INSCRIBE THE SACRED SITE
OF THE TEMPLE OF PREAH VIHEAR IN 2008 15 - 17
(31st session of the Committee - Christchurch, New Zealand - July 2007, Decision 31 COM 8B.24)
8- THE KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA IMPLEMENTS DECISION 31 COM 8B.24 OF THE WORLD HERITAGE COMMITTEE 18 - 19
9- THE WORLD HERITAGE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY INSCRIBES THE TEMPLE OF PREAH VIHEAR ON THE WORLD 20
HERITAGE LIST
(32nd session of the Committee – Quebec, Canada – 7 July 2008, Decision 32 COM 8B.102)
10- THE KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA IMPLEMENTS DECISION 32 COM 8B.102 OF THE WORLD HERITAGE COMMITTEE 21 - 22
11- THE KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA SUBMITS A PORTFOLIO COMPRISED OF 4 DOCUMENTS 23 - 25
12- THE MAP OF THE INSCRIBED PROPERTY AND THE MAP DELINEATING THE BUFFER ZONE IDENTIFIED IN THE GRPP 26 - 27
13- THE KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA UPDATES THE NOMINATION DOSSIER TO REFLECT THE CHANGES MADE TO
THE PERIMETER OF THE PROPERTY 28 - 32
14. THE KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA CONFIRMS THAT THE MANAGEMENT ZONE OF THE PROPERTY WILL INCLUDE
THE PROPERTY AND THE BUFFER ZONE IDENTIFIED IN THE RGPP 33 - 35
15. THE MANAGEMENT PLAN OF THE TEMPLE OF PREAH VIHEAR IS BEING UPDATED 36 - 41
16- THE KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA, FOR THE FIRST TIME, WAS ELECTED MEMBER OF THE WORLD HERITAGE
COMMITTEE AT 1st ROUND, TAKING THE 2nd POSITION AFTER SWITZERLAND. 42 - 50
17- THE THEME OF THE 33rd SESSION OF THE WORLD HERITAGE COMMITTEE– TEMPLE OF PREAH VIHEAR
(CAMBODIA) (C1224 REV), IS THE STATE OF CONSERVATION OF THE PROPERTY
(33rd session of the Committee Decision 33 COM 7B.65 Seville, Spain, July 2009.) 51 - 56
18- THE WORKS FOR SAFEGUARDING THE TEMPLE OF PREAH VIHEAR CONTINUE WITH
THE TECHNICAL ASISSTANCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS AND UNESCO. 57 - 63
19- THE TEMPORARY ACCESS TO THE TEMPLE FROM THE EAST IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION PENDING
THE REHABILITATION OF THE HISTORICAL STAIRCASE. 64 - 67
20- DEVELOPMENT
 THE CONSTRUCTION OF ACCESS ROADS TO THE AREA OF THE TEMPLE

 THE IMPROVEMENTS OF THE LIVING CONDITIONS WITH THE INTEGRATION OF THE ECO-VILLAGE
OF SAMDECH TECHO HUN SEN INTO THE DEVELOPMENT ZONE OF PREAH VIHEAR
 THE PROJECT OF THE ECO-GLOBAL MUSEUM OF PREAH VIHEAR 68 - 85
21- THE KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA IMPLEMENTS THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE IN ITS
DECISION 32 COM 8B.102, PARAGRAPH 16 AND DECISION 33 COM 7B.65 86
22- THE DESCRIPTION OF THE TEMPLE OF PREAH VIHEAR 87 - 100
23- APPENDICES 101 - 114
1 THE LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE
The Temple of Preah Vihear is an Angkorian era monument located in the northern province of Preah Vihear, 400
km north of Phnom Penh and 140 km northeast of Angkor, in immediate proximity to Cambodia’s border with the
Kingdom of Thailand.

The Temple is perched on the southern end of a 625 metre high rock promontory of the “Dangrek” mountain range.
From the top of this steep escarpment, it looks to the south over a vast plain stretching out below on the Cambodian
side. Beyond the plateau to the north, the terrain extends in a gentle slope towards Thailand.

Drawing by Samreth Socheat OCM/RGC

1
2 THE TEMPLE OF PREAH VIHEAR IS UNDER THE SOVEREIGNTY OF CAMBODIA
(Judgment of the International Court of Justice – 15 June 1962)

Through its petition submitted to the International Court of Justice (the Court) on 6 October 1959, the Cambodian
Government requested that the Court rule on a dispute over territorial sovereignty. In its judgment of 26 May 1961
the Court “upheld its jurisdiction to adjudicate upon the dispute” which it described in the following terms:

“In the present case, Cambodia alleges a violation on the part of Thailand of Cambodia’s territorial sovereignty
over the region of the Temple of Preah Vihear and its precincts. Thailand replies by affirming that the area in
question lies on the Thai side of the common frontier between the two countries, and is under the sovereignty of
Thailand. This is a dispute about territorial sovereignty.”

“The court can only give a decision as to the sovereignity over the Temple area after having examined what the
frontier line is”.

Maps were submitted to the Court and various considerations were brought to bear on this subject. The Court found
therein the reasons for the Decision that it would render to resolve the dispute.

The Court first noted that:

- The “Dangrek” mountain range wherein the Temple of Preah Vihear stands on a promontory, is in a general way
the border between the two countries in this region—Cambodia to the south and Thailand to the north;
- The border in this area of the “Dangrek” was subject to the relevant provisions of the 13 February 1904
Convention between FRANCE (as the protectorate power of CAMBODIA within French Indochina) and SIAM (as
THAILAND was then known);
- The exact delineation of this border was to be determined by a Franco-Siamese Mixed Commission.

The Court then pointed out that:

- A new Border Treaty had been signed on 23 March 1907 between Siam and France;
- A second Mixed Border Delimitation Commission had then been established;

2
- A Map (referred to by the Court as Annex I Map) shows the delineation of the border as the result of delimita-
tion work and locates THE ENTIRE PROMONTORY OF PREAH VIHEAR, INCLUDING THE TEMPLE ZONE,
WITHIN CAMBODIAN TERRITORY.

“Thailand denies this so far as she is concerned, representing herself as having adopted a merely passive attitude
in what ensued. She maintains also that a course of conduct, involving at most a failure to object, cannot suffice to
render her a consenting party to a departure at Preah Vihear from the watershed line specified by Article I of the
Treaty of 1904, so great as to affect the sovereignty of the Temple area.”
“The Court sees the matter differently” because:
 “The maps were given wide publicity in all technically interested quarters by being also communicated to the
leading geographical societies in important countries; to the Siamese legations accredited to the British,
German, Russian and United States Governments; and to all the members of the Mixed Commission, French
and Siamese;”

Map designated by the International Court of Justice as the Annex I map

representing the frontier line (Ref. maps in details on pages 7 – 8)

3
  “The Court cannot accept these contentions either on the facts or the law”, which Thailand “suggested during
the oral proceedings that no one in Siam at that time knew anything about the Temple or would be troubling
about it.”
 “It is an established rule of law that the plea of error cannot be allowed as an element of vitiating consent if
the party advancing it contributed by its own conduct to the error.”
The Court raised the question:
“THE REAL QUESTION, THEREFORE, WHICH IS THE ESSENTIAL ONE IN THIS CASE, IS WHETHER THE PARTIES
DID ADOPT THE ANNEX I MAP, AND THE LINE INDICATED ON IT, AS REPRESENTING THE OUTCOME OF THE WORK
OF DELIMITATION OF THE FRONTIER IN THE REGION OF PREAH VIHEAR, THEREBY CONFERRING ON IT A
BINDING CHARACTER” (p.22, par.3 Reports of Judgments, Advisory Opinions and Orders, International Court of Justice - Case
Concerning the Temple of Preah Vihear - Judgment of 15 June 1962);

The Court anwsered:

1.“THE COURT HOWEVER CONSIDERS THAT THAILAND IN 1908 -1909 DID ACCEPT THE ANNEX I MAP
AS REPRESENTING THE OUTCOME OF THE WORK OF DELIMITATION, AND HENCE RECOGNIZED THE
LINE ON THAT MAP AS BEING THE FRONTIER LINE, THE EFFECT OF WHICH IS TO SITUATE PREAH
VIHEAR IN CAMBODIAN TERRITORY” (p.32, par.5 of the same Report of Judgment, Advisory Opinions and Orders
mentioned above).

2.“BOTH PARTIES, BY THEIR CONDUCT, RECOGNIZED THE LINE AND THEREBY IN EFFECT AGREED TO
REGARD IT AS BEING THE FRONTIER LINE” (p.33, par.1 of the same Report of Judgment, Advisory Opinions and
Orders mentioned above).

3.“THE COURT CONSIDERS THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE ANNEX I MAP BY THE PARTIES CAUSED THE
MAP TO ENTER THE TREATY SETTLEMENT AND TO BECOME AN INTEGRAL PART OF IT” (p.33, par.4 of
the same Report of Judgment, Advisory Opinions and Orders mentioned above).

4.“THE COURT, THEREFORE, FEELS BOUND, AS A MATTER OF TREATY INTERPRETATION, TO

PRONOUNCE IN FAVOR OF THE LINE AS MAPPED IN THE DISPUTED AREA” (p.35, par.3 of the same Report
of Judgment, Advisory Opinions and Orders mentioned above).
4
 INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE
J U D G M E N T of 15 June 1962

“FOR THESE REASONS,

THE COURT,

By nine votes to three,

FINDS THAT THE TEMPLE OF PREAH VIHEAR IS SITUATED IN TERRITORY UNDER THE SOVEREIGNTY
OF CAMBODIA.”

Remarks:

The above text basically summarizes the judgment that the International Court of Justice published in its “Reports
of Judgments, Advisory Opinions and Orders,” under the heading CASE CONCERNING THE TEMPLE OF
PREAH VIHEAR (CAMBODIA vs THAILAND) – Merits – Judgment of 15 June 1962 – ICJ. Case report, p. 6-37.

The United Nations Charter signed in San Francisco on 26 June 1945, under the provisions respecting the
STATUTE OF THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE, stipulates the following:
Article 60:
The judgment is final and without appeal.
Article 61, paragraph 5:
No application for revision may be made after the LAPSE OF TEN YEARS from the date of the
judgment.
5
 Map designated by the International Court of Justice as the Annex I map showing the frontier line

6
 Ki
ng nd
do ila
m a
Ki of Th
ng ia
do bod
m of C am

Area of the Temple of Preah Vihear in the Dangrek range of mountains (extrapolation from the map recognized by the International Court
of Justice, 15 June 1962)
7
 K
Th a
di

in
nd
om a i l a mbo

gd
of C a

Map used by the Kingdom of Cambodia based on the Map recognized by the Recent map for the same area unilaterally prepared and presented by the
ICJ as an integral part of the treaty settlement in its judgment of 15 June Kingdom of Thailand in Christchurch, NZ during the 31st session of the WHC
1962 (2007). The yellow colored area indicates the claim by Thailand.

8
3 THE KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA PROPOSES THAT THE SACRED SITE OF THE TEMPLE
OF PREAH VIHEAR BE INSCRIBED ON THE WORLD HERITAGE LIST

As State Party to the Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (commonly referred
to as the 1972 Convention or World Heritage Convention) since November 1991, the Kingdom of Cambodia
presented to UNESCO to inscribe the SACRED SITE OF THE TEMPLE OF PREAH VIHEAR on the World Heritage
List.

In a letter dated 10 October 2001, His Excellency the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Samdech Akka
Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, informed the Director General of UNESCO, His Excellency Mr Koïchiro
MATSUURA, of the Royal Government’s decision to propose this inscription.

Subsequently, a complete portfolio in compliance with the Operational Guidelines of the Kingdom of Cambodia for
the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention was prepared by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, with
the technical advice and active assistance of UNESCO (Cultural Section and Office in Phnom Penh).

This portfolio was submitted to the World Heritage Centre (UNESCO-Paris) on 30 January 2006.

9
4 MEANING AND SCOPE OF THE WORLD HERITAGE CONVENTION
As noted by the members of the World Heritage Committee in the “Budapest Declaration” adopted on 28 June 2002,
during the United Nations Year for Cultural Heritage and on the thirtieth anniversary of the 1972 Convention:

“The properties on the World Heritage List are assets held in trust to pass on to generations of the future as their
rightful inheritance;”
“The 1972 World Heritage Convention is an instrument for the sustainable development of all societies
through DIALOGUE and MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING.”

This Convention adopted by the UNESCO General Conference in Paris on 16 November 1972, states in:

- Article 6, that property inscribed constitutes a world heritage, for whose protection it is the duty of the
international community as a whole to co-operate;

- Article 7, that international protection of the world heritage shall be understood to mean the establishment of
a system of international co-operation and assistance designed to CONSERVE AND IDENTIFY THAT
HERITAGE.

- Article 27, that the States Parties shall endeavor by all appropriate means to strengthen APPRECIATION and
RESPECT of the HERITAGE by their peoples.

10
5 THE WORLD HERITAGE CONVENTION RESPECTS THE SOVEREIGNTY OF THE STATES
AND THEIR RIGHTS

Article 6, the Convention states that States Parties fully respect the sovereignty of the State in whose territory
the heritage is situated.

Article 11, paragraph 3 of the Convention is an essential provision to avoid conflicts and contestations:

“The inclusion of a property situated in a territory, sovereignty or jurisdiction over which is

claimed by more than one State, shall in no way prejudice the rights of the parties to the
dispute.”

Paragraph 106 of the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention:

“Where no buffer zone is proposed, the nomination should include a statement as to why a buffer
zone is not required”.

11
6 THE SACRED SITE OF THE TEMPLE OF PREAH VIHEAR IS OF OUTSTANDING UNIVERSAL
VALUE

A non-governmental advisory organization associated with the World Heritage Committee, the International
Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) is in charge of evaluating proposals for the inscription of cultural
property.

In accordance with the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention,
ICOMOS performs “evaluations that are OBJECTIVE, RIGOROUS and SCIENTIFIC, with a consistent level of
professionalism.”

Pursuant to a technical mission carried out on the sacred site of the Temple of Preah Vihear by the ICOMOS repre-
sentative from 23 to 29 October 2006, and to additional information requested by ICOMOS and submitted by
Cambodia, on 3 January 2007, ICOMOS approved as of 21 January 2007, the following evaluation:

ICOMOS considers that the site’s OUTSTANDING UNIVERSAL VALUE HAS BEEN DEMONSTRATED.

And that the property is in keeping with criteria (i), (ii) and (iv),

Criterion (i)
“Preah Vihear is an outstanding masterpiece of Khmer architecture. It is very ‘pure’ both in plan and in the detail of
its decoration”

Criteron (ii)
“Preah Vihear demonstrates an important interchange in human values and developments in art, architecture,
planning and landscape design”

12
Criterion (iv)
“The architectural ensemble is exceptional in its representation of Buddhist geometry. The position of the Temple on
a cliff edge site is particularly impressive. Stairs and historical access surviving for over a thousand years show a
sophisticated technological understanding. The whole historic structure demonstrates the highpoint of a significant
state in human history.”

Consequently, ICOMOS recommends that the Sacred Site of the Temple of Preah Vihear (Cambodia) be
included on the World Heritage List.

Gopura III

Gopura II

Gopura I

13
14
7 THE WORLD HERITAGE COMMITTEE EXPRESSES ITS SUPPORT TO INSCRIBE
THE SACRED SITE OF THE TEMPLE OF PREAH VIHEAR IN 2008
(31st session of the Committee - Christchurch, New Zealand - July 2007, Decision No 31 COM 8B.24)

During its 31st regular session held in Christchurch, New Zealand, from 23 June to 2 July 2007, the World Heritage
Committee examined all the documents relating to the proposal to inscribe the Sacred Site of the Temple of Preah
Vihear on the World Heritage List.

The Committee first of all took note of the following statement made by the Chairman of the World Heritage
Committee, approved by the delegation from Cambodia and the delegation from Thailand:

“The State Party of Cambodia and the State Party of Thailand are in full agreement that the Sacred Site of the
Temple of Preah Vihear has Outstanding Universal Value and must be inscribed on the World Heritage
List as soon as possible. Accordingly, Cambodia and Thailand agree that Cambodia will propose the site for formal
inscription on the World Heritage List at the 32nd session of the World Heritage Committee in 2008 with the
active support of Thailand.”

The Committee then recognized:

“That the Sacred Site of the Temple of Preah Vihear is of great international significance and has
Outstanding Universal Value under criteria (i), (ii) and (iv)” and agreed “in principle that it should be
inscribed on the World Heritage List and noted that the process for inscription is in progress.”

The Committee concluded by requesting the State Party of Cambodia:

“To strengthen conservation and management at the site by making progress in developing an appropriate
management plan, which progress will enable its formal inscription by the Committee at its 32nd session in 2008;”
and “to submit a progress report to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February 2008.”

15
Activities of the delegation of the Royal
Government at the 31st session of the World
Heritage Committee in Christchurch,
New Zealand led by His Excellency Dr. Sok An
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister in Charge of
the Office of the Council of Ministers

16
 They understand, following consultation with the World Heritage Centre, that finan-
World Heritage 31 COM cial and technical assistance for the development of a management plan will be
available through the World Heritage Centre’s International Assistance programme.”
WHC-07/31.COM/24
Paris, 31 July 2007 3. Recognizes that the Sacred Site of the Temple of Preah Vihear is of great internation-
Original : French / English al significance and has Outstanding Universal Value on the basis of criteria (i), (ii) and
(iv), agrees in principle that it should be inscribed on the World Heritage List and notes
UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND that the process for inscription is in progress;
CULTURAL ORGANIZATION
4. Requests the State Party of Cambodia to strengthen conservation and management
CONVENTION CONCERNING THE PROTECTION OF plan, which progress in developing an appropriate management plan, which progress
THE WORLD CULTURAL AND NATURAL HERITAGE
will enable its formal inscription by the Committee at its 32nd Session in 2008;
WORLD HERITAGE COMMITTEE
5. Further requests the State Party of Cambodia to submit a progress report to the World
Thirty-First Session
Heritage Centre, by 1 February 2008.
Christchurch, New Zealand
23 June – 2 July 2007
Decision report (Christchurch, 2007) HWC-07/31.COM/24, p.53, 54

Decision: 31 COM 8B.24

Chairperson statement
at the 31st session of the World Heritage Committee
Christchurch, New Zealand
TEXT

1. The World Heritage Committee, Having examined documents WHC-07/31.COM/8B This decision means that the committee has agreed that this Sacred Site deserves
and WHC-07/31.COM/NF.8B.1, to be included in the World Heritage List and that its formal listing will take place
at its next session in 2008, and I request that my remarks are included in the final
2. Having taken note of the following statement by the Chair of the World Heritage
Committee which has been agreed to by the Delegation of Cambodia and the report of this meeting along with the decision.
Delegation of Thailand:

“The State Party of Cambodia and the State Party of Thailand are in full agreement
that the Sacred Site of the Temple of Preah Vihear has Outstanding Universal Value
and must be inscribed on the World Heritage List as soon as possible. Accordingly,
Cambodia and Thailand agree that Cambodia will propose the site for formal inscrip-
tion on the World Heritage List at the 32nd Session of the World Heritage
Committee in 2008 with the active support of Thailand. Mr. Tumu Te Heuheu
Chairman of the World Heritage
They also agree that the site is in need of urgent attention and requires interna- Committee
tional financial and technical assistance and close cooperation between them.

They further agree that it is essential to strengthen conservation and management

at the site including by the development of an appropriate management plan, as
required under paragraph 108 of the Operational Guidelines, that will ensure the
future protection of this property.

17
8 THE KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA IMPLEMENTS DECISION 31 COM 8B.24 OF THE WORLD
HERITAGE COMMITTEE

The Royal Government of Cambodia created a public institution, the National Authority for the Protection and
Development of the Preah Vihear Natural and Cultural Site (Autorité Nationale pour la Protection et le
Développement du site culturel et naturel de Preah Vihear - ANPV) and has provided it with the human and
financial resources as well as the legal and statutory capacity to:
Reinforce CONSERVATION OF THE SITE and move forward in developing an appropriate MANAGEMENT PLAN
for this site.

In order to implement the aforementioned decision of the Committee in the best possible conditions, the ANPV
conducted a number of appraisal and technical analysis missions on the Preah Vihear site from September 2007 to
January 2008. These high-level missions were made possible due to the kind commitment and generous contribu-
tion of Belgium, the United States of America, France and India, whose distinguished experts also benefited from
valuable input by colleagues from China, Japan and Thailand, as well as the International Centre for the Study of
the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM).

The missions resulted in the preparation of a PROGRESS REPORT forwarded to the World Heritage Centre
(UNESCO) on 28 January 2008.

This document was complemented by a SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT following up on the “Meeting of experts regard-
ing conservation and management procedures for the Sacred Site of the Temple of Preah Vihear ,” held at UNESCO
Headquarters on 25 and 26 March 2008, at the invitation of the Deputy Director for Culture, Her Excellency
Ms. Françoise RIVIÈRE.

This latter report was forwarded to the Centre on May 13, 2008.

18
É É

19
9 THE WORLD HERITAGE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY INSCRIBES THE TEMPLE OF PREAH
VIHEAR ON THE WORLD HERITAGE LIST
(32nd Session of the Committee – Quebec, Canada – 7 July 2008, Decision 32 COM 8B.102)

Photo UNESCO

On 7 July, 2008, in Quebec City, Canada the 32nd session of the World Heritage Committee unanimously inscribed
the Temple of Preah Vihear, the Angkor era Khmer monument perched on the southern end of a 625 metre high
rock promontory of the “Dangrek” mountain range, on the World Heritage List under criterion (i)

Criterion (i): Preah Vihear is an outstanding masterpiece of Khmer architecture.

It is very ‘pure’ both in plan and in the detail of its decoration.

20
10 THE KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA IMPLEMENTS DECISION 32 COM 8B.102 OF THE WORLD
HERITAGE COMMITTEE

Recall of the Legislative Protection

The site of Preah Vihear now inscribed as a World Heritage site (UNESCO) is nationally protected by the Royal Decree
on the Establishment of Preah Vihear Temple Site (NS/RKM/0303/115 dated 11th March 2003). This is now supported
by Sub-Decree concerning the application of the Royal Decree on the Establishment of the National Authority for the
Protection and Development of the Preah Vihear Natural and Cultural Site (ANPV) .

Also most of the buffer zone is protected under the Sub-Decree on the Establishment of Protected Forest for
Conservation of Plant and Animal Genetics, “Preah Vihear”.

Apart from the sites under specific Decree and Sub-Decrees, all archaeological / cultural remains in Cambodia are
protected under the Law for Protection of Cultural Heritage dated January 1996 and Natural Heritage by the Royal
Decree on Environmental Protection and Natural Resource Management dated Dec 1996.

The boundaries of such protected sites are defined by Royal Decree at the proposal of the Supreme Council on
National Culture (SCNC). The SCNC is responsible for policy formulation in the domain of national cultural properties,
while the Ministry of Culture and Fine arts is responsible for policy implementation.

All of these statutes contain provisions for prosecutions and penalties for transgressions that adversely impact
archaeological sites and ruins, historic buildings, artifacts, etc and for unauthorized development projects in protected
areas.

21
The implementation of the decision of the World Heritage Committee
The National Authority for the Protection and Development of the Preah Vihear Natural and Cultural Site (ANPV)
outlined the implementation of the decision of the World Heritage Committee in a publication of the “Dossier Related
to the implementation of the Decision 32 COM 8B.102,” in April 2009. The dossier consists of:

a) a provisional map providing additional details of the inscribed property and a map delineating the buffer zone
identified in the RGPP;
b) an updated nomination dossier to reflect the changes made to the perimeter of the property
c) a confirmation that the management zone for the property will include the inscribed property and buffer zone
identified in the RGPP;
d) a progress report on the preparation of the Management Plan;

The Kingdom of Cambodia submits the dossier to the World Heritage Centre on May 2009.

22
11 THE KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA SUBMITS A PORTFOLIO COMPRISED OF 4 DOCUMENTS

In conformity with paragraph 15 of the Decision 32 COM 8B.102, the Kingdom of Cambodia submitted 4 (four)
enumerated following documents to the World Heritage Centre in May 2009, on an exceptional basis beyond the
deadline established in the paragraph 148 of the Operational Guidelines, including:
a) A provisional map providing additional details of the inscribed property and a map delineating the buffer zone
identified in the RGPP (Revised Graphic Plan of the Property);
b) an updated nomination dossier to reflect the changes made to the perimeter of the property;
c) a confirmation that the management zone for the property will include the inscribed property and buffer zone
identified in the RGPP;
d) a progress report on the preparation of the Management Plan.

These documents have been requested by the World Heritage Centre, with the application of its Decision 32 COM
8B.102 (Quebec, Canada, 7 July 2008). Taking into account the new state of the maps and the zoning (provisional
state,) it is important to recall that it is to the request of the honorable members of the Committee and in the
spirit of the effort of conciliation to facilitate the inscription that the Kingdom of Cambodia has consented to give up
the advantages gained by virtue of the Decision 31 COM 8B.24. (Christchurch, New Zealand, July 2007, which

- “Recognizes that the Sacred Site of the Temple of Preah Vihear is of great international significance and
has Outstanding Universal Value on the basis of criteria (i), (ii) and (iv);”

- “agrees in principle that it should be inscribed on the World Heritage List;”

- “and notes that the process for inscription is in progress…”

23
Consequently, as it was inscribed at the 32nd session of the Committee, “the Temple of Peah Vihear” has a
perimeter which covers 11 (eleven) hectares, but the Decision of the Committee at its 31st session, announcing
the process for inscription in progress, was based on the proposition of the inscription of the “Sacred Site of the
Temple of Preah Vihear” covering 154.70 ha (one hundred fifty four hectares and seventy ares).

In the same way, the initial buffer zone covered 2,642.50 ha (two thousand six hundred forty two hectares
and fifty ares), but the buffer zone identified in the RGPP (Revised Graphic Plan of the Property) as what has been
accepted by the Committee at its 32nd session covers only 644.113 ha (six hundred forty four hectares and
one hundred thirteen ares), seeing that the proposed property for inscription has been reduced and that the
perimeter of the proposed zone for inscription has been revised.

In this regards, it is important to point out, again, that the followings have been TEMPORARILY excluded from the
zoning:

a. the zone situated between the ascendancy of the historical staircase conducting to the temple in the east and
the border line between Cambodia and Thailand, in the north of the temple;

b. and the zone in the west of the temple, claimed by Thailand. This is the area which stretches from the
border line true to the map “being integral part of the Judgment” of the international Court of Justice
The Hague, 15 June 1962) and the line indicated in the map unilaterally made by the Kingdom of
Thailand and presented only at the 31st session of the Committee in Christchurch, New Zealand, 23 June-
02 July 2007 (see maps and drawings on pages 6,7 and 8).

24
The Committee at its 31st session (2007) recognized the validity of the criteria (i) (ii) and (iv) for the inscription on
the World Heritage List, in conformity with the evaluation performed by ICOMOS. The same Committee, however, at
its 32nd session (2008) inscribed the Temple of Preah Vihear on the List on the basis of criteria (i) alone.

But the Decision 32 COM 8B.102 indicates in its paragraph 11 that the Committee “agrees that it would be
desirable in the future to reflect its full value (= full value of the property) and landscape setting through a
possible additional inscription to the World Heritage List that could capture criteria (iii) and (iv), which had been
recognized by the Committee in its Decision 31 COM 8B.24”

25
12 THE KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA UPDATES A PROVISIONAL MAP FOR NOMINATION AND A
MAP PROVIDING THE BUFFER ZONE IDENTIFIED IN THE RGPP
(Revised Graphic Plan of the Property)

The provisional map of the property (identified 1) inscribed on the World Heritage List.

Ki
Th
ai land

ng
ia
om od

d
b
of Ca m

26
The map of the buffer zone (identified 2) of the property inscribed on the World Heritage List

Ki
ha land

T
ng
i a
om di

d
o
of Camb

27
13 THE KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA UPDATES THE NOMINATION DOSSIER TO REFLECT THE
CHANGES MADE TO THE PERIMETER OF THE PROPERTY

The nomination file, evaluated by ICOMOS and examined by the World Heritage Committee at its 31st session
(Christchurch, New Zealand, 2007), was related to

THE SACRED SITE OF THE TEMPLE

OF PREAH VIHEAR

The updated property proposed for inscription has been reduced and that the perimeter of the proposed
zone for inscription has been revised.

The updated dossier presented this property (zone 1) covering 11 (eleven) hectares only, but the Decision of the
Committee at its 31st session, announcing the process for inscription in progress, was based on the proposition of
the inscription of the “Sacred Site of the Temple of Preah Vihear” covering 154.70 ha (one hundred fifty
four hectares and seventy ares).

The buffer zone (zone 2) identified in the RGPP (Revised Graphic Plan of the Property) as what has been accept-
ed by the Committee at its 32nd session covers only 644.113 ha (six hundred forty four hectares and one
hundred thirteen ares), instead of the initial buffer zone covering 2,642.50 ha (two thousand six hundred
forty two hectares and fifty ares), when the World Heritage Committee made the Decision announcing the
process for inscription in progress.

During the 32nd session of the World Heritage Committee, the conciliation efforts, conducted in cooperation with the
Secretariat by the honorable members of the World Heritage Committee (firstly the Representative of the U.S.A),
resulted in the inscription of the property entitled ‘THE TEMPLE OF PREAH VIHEAR’, on the basis of the Decision
32 COM 8B.102 (Quebec, Canada, July 2008).
28
 Gopura III

Gopura II

Gopura I

Aerial view South North: Gopura I, Gopura II and Gopura III are clearly visible

29
In the same spirit of conciliation, the Cambodian Delegation accepted to reduce the surface of the nominated
property which covers only the Temple of PREAH VIHEAR and not the wider promontory with its cliffs and
caves.

Explanatory Note
on the zoning presented in the provisional Map

In conformity with the policy of peace and good neighbourliness led by His Excellency the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia,
Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, and in the spirit of conciliation, at the 32nd session of the World Heritage Committee
(Quebec, Canada, 2008), the delegation of the Royal Government of Cambodia consented to accept the proposition made by the
Committee during the preliminary work for the Decision 32 COM 8B. 102.

Consequently, the area figured in yellow in the present map is PROVISIONALLY out of the zoning.

This area stretches from the border line true to the map “being integral part of the Judgment” of the international Court of Justice (15
June 1962, please see NB. hereafter) and the line indicated in the map unilaterally made by the Kingdom of Thailand and presented
only at the 31st session of the Committee (Christchurch, New Zealand, 23 June-02 July 2007).

The final zoning will be fixed according to the result of the work on the border demarcation of the Joint Boundary Commission between
Cambodia and Thailand.

NB.: in the Judgment of 15 June 1962 (See the International Court of Justice, Reports of Judgments, Case concerning the Temple
of Preah Vihear, Judgment of 15 June 1962, page 32, paragraph 5), it is said:
“The court however considers that Thailand in 1908-1909 did accept the annex I map as representing the outcome of the work of
delimitation, and hence recognizes the line on that map as being the frontier line, the effect of which is to situate Preah Vihear in
Cambodian territory”.

30
 THE INSCRIBED PROPERTY

The inscribed property lies on a higher part of the plateau located above 250 metres. The perimeter of the prop-
erty is composed of the linear monument and its immediate surrounding.

It excludes the monumental staircase leading to the monument on the east side as well as its landscape setting.

In the same manner, it excludes temporarily:

 On one side, the zone which, beyond the area of the historical staircase on the east, is extended to the north
up to the line indicated on the ‘Schéma directeur pour le zonage de Preah Vihear’ under the title TRACÉ
À TITRE INDICATIF DE LA FRONTIÈRE, e.g. the border line true to the map being integral part of the
Judgment of the International Court of Justice (Judgment of 15 June 1962); and

 The zone extending to the west of the Temple, starting from the promontory to the TRACÉ À TITRE
INDICATIF DE LA FRONTIÈRE as here above clarified. This zone is claimed by Thailand on the basis of a
map unilaterally made and submitted only, for the first time, at the 31st session of the World Heritage
Committee (Christchurch, New Zealand, 23 June to 2 July 2007) [see maps and drawings on page 6, 7 and 8].

The buffer zone, indicated as zone No 2, covers at the east, the south and the west of the Temple, an area of
644.113 ha (six hundred forty four hectares and hundred thirteen).

This zone, consisting essentially of landscape comprising cliff, forest and vegetation, is bounded by:

 the area set for the historic monumental staircase at the east;

 the lay-out of the new access road to the Temple (road in construction, starting from the east to the south
and leading to the traditional village Ko Muoy, allowing the access to the promontory, at the west to the
Temple of Preah Vihear (see the map on page 33).

31
 K
in
ha d

T
i lan a
di

gd
m o

o
of b
Cam

Tracé à titre indicatif de la frontière: This is indicative of the frontier line based on “ANNEX I MAP”, used by the
International Court of Justice (ICJ) for its judgment in 1962, which was drawn in 1908 as a result of the
demarcation work of the Commission of Delimitation of the boundary between Indo-China and Siam set up on
the basis of the Convention of 1904 and the Treaty of 1907 between France and Siam and was accepted by the
Kingdom of Siam. In its reasoning, the ICJ very clearly demonstrated the legal validity of the border line as shown
in the “ANNEX I MAP”.

32
14 THE KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA CONFIRMS THAT THE MANAGEMENT ZONE OF THE PROP-
ERTY WILL INCLUDE THE PROPERTY AND THE BUFFER ZONE IDENTIFIED IN THE RGPP

The Kingdom of Cambodia, as State Party recognizes that the values of the Temple of Preah Vihear are linked to its
position in the landscape and the way it responded to that dramatic landscape.

Initial Map (January and May 2008),

in preparation for the inscription

33
As required by the World Heritage Committee, the Royal Government of Cambodia confirms that the management
zone includes the World Heritage property (= zone 1 or the Temple of Preah Vihear) and the buffer zone (= zone 2
identified in the RGPP)

Inscription (7 July 2008)

K
Th d

in
a ilan Zone 1: The Temple of Preah

gd
a
m di

o
of Ca mb o Vihear, the inscribed property
Zone 2: The buffer zone

34
In its evaluation No 1224, ICOMOS notes that the documentation provided by the Kingdom of Cambodia, as State
Party, indicates that a new enlarged boundary might be considered, in the future, for management reasons to
encompass these specific landscape relationships and meets the full cultural, natural, and historic values of the site.

The National Authority for the Protection and Development of Preah Vihear Natural and Cultural Site (ANPV) with
the support of a team of experts from Belgium, France, India and U.S.A as well as the participation of Cambodian
experts, who have pursued the study of a wide range of aspect of the site and its management challenges are
conducting complementary studies needed to delineate precisely this zone.

35
15 THE MANAGEMENT PLAN OF THE TEMPLE OF PREAH VIHEAR IS BEING UPDATED
Divay Gupta
(Conservation Architect, India)
January 2009

At the request of:

The National Authority for the Protection and Development of the Preah Vihear Natural and Cultural Site (ANPV) .
Supported by:
National Commission for UNESCO, Royal Government of Cambodia, and
UNESCO Phnom Penh office in Cambodia

Project limitations

This proposed draft management plan is based on a strategy plan done earlier. It established the various criteria,
objectives and guidelines based on which this management plan has been created. It was based primarily on the
various missions, including:

 The one for evaluating it as World Heritage Site in October 2006 undertaken for ICOMOS, and
 The other in November 2007 for the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and
 The third undertaken for ANPV.

The management plan borrows heavily from various other reports undertaken by many international experts on
various aspects of the site compiled as the “Progress Report” by the Royal Government of Cambodia in January
2008, in which:

36
  The strategy for community participation was dealt by Ms. Tara Sharma,
 The presentation of the report and architectural section of the report were undertaken by Mr. Huzoor
Choudhry, and
 The project research and report preparation was done by Ms. Akhila Agrawal.

The Management Plan Strategy

The proposed management plan aims to provide a framework to conserve the cultural heritage assets of the
inscribed World Heritage Site. This will
include protection and conservation of the
architectural, archeological, landscape,
natural and sacred assets, and their geolog-
ical settings, improving the understanding
of the site, its interpretation and most
importantly ensuring and supporting local
community in its cultural, social and
economic vitality.

This plan attempts to outline all the key

issues and challenges confronting the site.
These issues will identify the vulnerability
and threats, gaps in present management
and opportunities to benefit the site.

37
The plan also sets out objectives, which arise in response to the identified issues and are designed to achieve
comprehensive management of the site. The implementation of these objectives would be achieved through a series
of actions and programs in a phased manner as per an agreed priority.

However it should be kept in mind that the proposed management plan is not prescriptive or binding, but rather
aims to set a framework for coordinated management and development of partnerships. In this way the
plan intends to build upon the nomination dossier and enhance the existing statutory tools like the Royal Decrees
and will serve to inform and guide the future management requirements and documentation for the site.

The Management Approach

The site can be perceived, experienced and interpreted from many different perspectives- ecological, historical,
political, cultural etc. These are multiple ways to “read” the site, illustrating the challenges in the management of
such a complex site.

38
Thus the main approach for the preparation of this document has been of ‘Integrated Heritage Landscape
Management Approach’. This approach is based upon a comprehensive assessment of all the above factors like
Archeological, historical, environmental and living traditions and cultural resources. It focuses on the connections
and interrelationships between historic sites within their wider context, both physical and symbolic, for example,
historic settlement, visual experiences, environmental
systems and associated cultural linkages and values. Thus
this approach relates the site with its immediate landscape,
buffer and broader geographic surroundings. This helps
define the ‘sense of place’, which is also unique to each site
and needs special conservation and management. It may be
said here that contributing factors to the ‘sense of place’
may differ from person to person, which is depending upon
Staircase from the north climbing up to Gopura V
their background, purpose or experiences.

39
This assemblage of sacred architecture in Cambodia dates back to the 9th century and represents an outstanding
example of human endeavor. The temple and its immediate surroundings remain substantially intact, and represent
a unique cultural landscape in Cambodia and the world.

The site of Preah Vihear has long been recognized as containing significant historical and cultural resources. For
centuries this has been a sanctuary and a landmark for Khmer people and has provided them with a sense of
history. Because of its unique properties the site has been decreed a National Monument through Royal Government
of Cambodia. Based upon the recommendations of the Supreme Council on National Culture of Cambodia (SCNC),
the site was nominated to UNESCO for a World Heritage status in 2006 and was inscribed in July 2008.

With this in mind, this management plan will promote a holistic and guided approach for the conservation and
management of the archeological, architectural and cultural heritage of the site. It will provide a forum for
documentation and interpretation of the cultural and natural heritage of the site. Since it is a designated monument
and sacred site it requires sensitive conservation. However the challenge is to incorporate new changes to make it
a vibrant place especially for heritage and eco-tourism promotion.

The plan will also promote the ecological aspects of the site, which have been created by the surrounding natural
setting. This in turn can provide for interactive natural educational opportunities for the visitors and local
communities alike.

(The full text of the updated management plan could be found in publication: TEMPLE OF PREAH VIHEAR Inscribed on the World Heritage List - Dossier related to the implementation of the
Decision 32 COM 8B.102 OF THE WORLD HERITAGE COMMITTEE (32nd Session – 2008, Quebec, Canada) p.27 – 60

40
This 74 page publication of the “Dossier related to the
Implementation of the Decision 32 COM 8B.102 “
consists of 4 documents:

• A provisional map;
• An updated nomination;
• A confirmation of the management zone
• A progress report on the preparation of the
management plan, from page 27 to page 74, by Divay
Gupta (Conservation Architect, India)

41
16 THE KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA, FOR THE FIRST TIME, WAS ELECTED MEMBER OF THE
WORLD HERITAGE COMMITTEE AT THE 1st ROUND, TAKING THE 2nd POSITION AFTER
SWITZERLAND
The Kingdom of Cambodia was elected, for the first time a member of the World
Heritage Committee (WHC) in October 2009, at the 17th General Assembly of States
Parties to the 1972 Convention, at the UNESCO headquarters, Paris, France.

Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of
Cambodia stated:

“It is a new pride for our country that becomes fully permanent member of the World
Heritage Committee. It will promote the image and prestige of the Kingdom of
Cambodia on the world arena;”

“Cambodia will carry on her mission with high responsibility and will strengthen the
cooperation with other countries;”

“Cambodia will do more to serve the common purposes in the WHC that has been
working on conservation, culture and heritage development; we have to enhance more international cooperation to
move forward on conservation, preservation and sustainable development of World heritage sites.”

The Kingdom of Cambodia is rich in history and cultural properties, two of which were inscribed on the World
Heritage List, namely Angkor (1992) and the Temple of Preah Vihear (2008). Angkor is one of the most important
archaeological sites in South-East Asia. Stretching over some 400 km2, including forested area, Angkor
Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to
the 15th century. UNESCO has set up a wide-ranging programme to safeguard this symbolic site and its

42
surroundings, thus contributing largely to the enrichment of her experiences in promoting and improving friendly
cooperation among nations and experts of different nationalities within the International Coordination Committee on
the Safeguarding and Development of the Historic Site of Angkor (ICC) since December 1993.

Nationwide, there are more than 700 ancient temples and many hundreds potential archeological sites. They are
under the process of registration and protection by the Royal Government.

The Kingdom of Cambodia is in the position to advance the cause of the World Heritage Committee.

Angkor Wat
Siem Reap

43
 Bayon

44
Bayon

45
 Chao Say Tevoda
Preah Khan

Banteay Srei Banteay Kdei

46
The Kingdom of Cambodia will effectively serve humanity and future generations by:
 Working expeditiously to fulfill the requirements for many more inscriptions of her own cultural and natural

heritage sites,
 Bringing her knowledge, experiences, and her heart to the World Heritage Committee,

 Bridging States Parties that wish to inscribe their cultural and natural sites to the Committee for decision, and

 Promoting cooperation among nations to protect heritages around the world.

Gopura III

Gopura II

Gopura I

47
48
His Excellency Dr. Sok An Deputy Prime Minister, Minister in Charge of the Office of the
Council of Ministers head of the Cambodian delegation speaking at the 02 June 2008 meeting
of the International Coordination Committee on the Safeguarding and Development of the
Historic Site of Angkor (ICC)
Photo: Office of the Council of Ministers-Royal Government of Cambodia

49
 The 02 June 2008 ICC Meeting

50
17 THE THEME OF THE 33RD SESSION OF THE WORLD HERITAGE COMMITTEE IS THE STATE
OF CONSERVATION OF THE PROPERTY (- DECISION 33 COM 7B.65 – TEMPLE OF PREAH
VIHEAR, CAMBODIA, SEVILLE, SPAIN, JULY 2009)

At the 33rd session of WHC, 2009 in Seville, Spain, as far as the Temple of Preah Vihear is concerned, the theme
of the decision 33 COM 7B.65 - Temple of Preah Vihear (Cambodia) (C 1224 rev) is the State of
Conservation of the property.

33rd session of WHC Seville, Spain 2009

Photo UNESCO

51
The last major conservation work on site was carried out in 1929; thereafter some conservation and repairs were
carried out in 1960’s once the site was handed over to Cambodian authorities by Thailand. However urgent
conservation and emergency measures are required at the site to stabilize many of its historic structures.
Restoration and stabilization works have been carried out throughout the monument.

ANPV, with the assistance of International experts and UNESCO, has undertaken emergency conservation works at
Gopura V, Gopura IV and Gopura III. The Naga heads at the northern tip of “Gopura V” guarding the staircase have
been reset to a straight position. Wooden steps have been built to facilitate visitors’ access and wooden supports
have been installed to stabilize the temple’s structure.

52
53
During 2009 five different expert missions visited the Temple of Preah Vihear and the area under protection for
current and future development to assess the local situation and to assist ANPV with a broad range of tasks and
activities from emergency stabilization of the temple structure up to the overall development of the Temple of Preah
Vihear area.

54
55
56
18 THE WORKS TO SAFEGUARD THE TEMPLE OF PREAH VIHEAR BY ANPV CONTINUE WITH
INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS TECHNICAL ASISSTANCE AND UNESCO
Missions to the Temple of Preah Vihear
An international expert mission to the Temple of Preah Vihear was carried out 28 March - 06 April 2009 to evaluate
and follow up on the conservation works and management plan in progress on-site. The experts involved in the
mission were Mr. Michel Verrot (Architect/France), Mr. Antoine Brugerolle (Architect/France) and Mr. Eric Llopis
(Archaeologist/ France), Prof. Koen Van Balen (engineer/Belgium), Mr. Divay Gupta (heritage management
specialist/India) and Mr. Richard Sussman (landscaping specialist/USA). The expert missions decided upon the
following recommendations:

Recommendations of the international expert meeting, Preah Vihear

02 April 2009

1. A proposed revised protected green, forested, environmental and

cultural area is outlined in addition to the existing Royal Decree on
the general management plan (attached) to be defined further by
appropriate national legislation. The area is composed of man made
structures and natural elements where biodiversity ought to be
respected and the balance in the ecosystem should be reestablished.

2. The village of Saem will be the entrance to the proposed protected

area. All tourist services for the site, such as eco-friendly shuttles
to the site, general tourist services such as restaurants, coffee
shops, souvenir shops, interpretation center and conservation
center (this conservation center may operate at the national,
regional and international level) should be concentrated in the
appropriate management zones.
57
 3. The new road to the east side of the Temple of Preah Vihear should be brought back to a width of 7-9m
and should be reforested so that the environmental panorama will be restored. The visit to the temple area
via the historical staircase may commence at the newly constructed visitors center. The actual location of
the visitors center needs to be reviewed to integrate into the natural environment.

4. The visit from the east side could further continue by crossing the restored stream and NOT from the
bottom of the historical staircase. A small bridge for pedestrians needs to be constructed over the stream
to access the historical staircase, and should be adapted to accommodate an emergency vehicle.

5. The conservation, restoration and eventual restitution of the historical staircase, including the provisional
staircase should be started as soon as possible. Furthermore, the forest at the base and vicinity of the
historical staircase should be restored and protected. The study leading to the proposal for the works on
the provisional staircase should be finalized between April and the end of 2009.

6. The Royal Government of Cambodia, which has sufficient human resources, should urgently constitute an
inter-disciplinary team within the ANPV consisting of archaeologists, architects, engineers, hydrologists,
environmentalists and demining services, including a permanent core technical team. This team should
immediately start working on the process to restore the historical staircase. This effort should not infringe
on the spiritual value of the site, meaning to retain the historic character of the east access to the temple
area.

58
7. All available information should be collected to create an appropriate database
for scientific interpretation of the site and to guide the heritage management
process. Wherever possible, modern technologies such as aerial photography,
satellite imaging and 3D-laserscanning should be used within the framework
of an integrated documentation system.

8. Problems with water drainage on all Gopuras of the temple are causing major
structural problems at different parts of the monument. It is thus very
important that these problems are addressed immediately. They are
particularly urgent at Gopura V. As there is no foreseen immediate national or
international support, it is proposed that visitors are kept at a safe distance
while a possible partial dismantling could be investigated.

9. Experts observed that an old structural situation at the eastern side of Gopura
III is aggravating the stability of the temple. To ensure safety on site and to
restore the structural stability of the monument it is suggested that civil and
military presence be moved to a safer location, the holes should be filled and
concrete basins removed. An archaeological diagnosis should also be
continued at the western side in view of conservation, chronology and
eventual reuse of the ancient pond. A monitoring system should be installed
to observe the evolution of the monument. A signal system should also be put
in place on site to avoid any use of heavy equipment.

10. Urgent attention should be paid to the pollution and waste management at the
site and its larger surroundings.

59
 11. The Forestry Department of ANPV should pay special attention to the cutting and the planting of the trees
and decide on the species to be used with relation to the stability of the monument, the drainage of water
on the site, the observation points for visitors, and taking into account local belief systems with relation to
the sacredness of certain plants and trees.

12. As indicated in 2008 progress report to the WHC part of the structural problems on-site are caused by the
existing drainage system. There is the specific problem of the cleaning of the area around the temple and the
cleaning of the causeways. While the cleaning is good for drainage, erasing or total removal however can
cause erosion. Removal of the ground cover and the use of heavy equipment should be avoided as it
contributes to erosion.

13. Water retention has become a serious issue because of the permanent presence of people on site. However
the problem could be solved after measuring the quantities of water that can be contained in existing
reservoirs and studying the topography. In more general terms, the authenticity of the water drainage
system which includes the West Baray at the bottom of the promontory should be restored.

A “Reinforced Reactive Monitoring” mission was carried out 28 March-06 April 2009 by Mr. Janos Jelen (ICOMOS)
and Mr. Philippe Delanghe (UNESCO Phnom Penh Office) at the request of the Director-General of UNESCO, and
within the framework of the “Reinforced Reactive Monitoring Mechanism) adopted at the 33rd World Heritage
Committee meeting. A final report will be submitted to the World Heritage Committee at the 34th session.

A follow-up evaluation mission was organized by the UNESCO Phnom Penh Office, 11 May 2009. Mr. Michel Verrot
(FSP/France), Mr. Eric Llopis (INRAP/France) and Mr. Philippe Delanghe (UNESCO) participated in the exercise and
gave guidelines as to reinforce the execution of the recommendations made during the 28 March - 06 April expert
mission.

60
61
62
From 22-28 November 2009 Mr. Divay Gupta, accompanied by Mr. Philippe Delanghe, carried out an expert mission
to the Temple of Preah Vihear and its surroundings to assist the National Authority of Preah Vihear with the finalizing
of the Management Plan, to be submitted to the World Heritage Centre before the 1st February 2010. Visits were
also organized to the eco-village near Saem village and the Preah Vihear Museum, both under construction at 20
km south of the Temple. These initiatives are an entire part of the management plan of the site.

To further assist the Royal Government of Cambodia with the development of the Preah Vihear Museum, and
within the framework of the joint MDG-F Culture Industry support Project, two expert-missions were respectively
organized, 13 and 16-17 December 2009. The first one was a joint UNESCO-ILO-ICCROM mission to asses the local
situation in order to provide overall technical assistance regarding the conceptualization and management of the
future Preah Vihear Museum and the promotion of linkages with local tourism and enterprise development through
community participation (especially involving the population of the new “eco-village” that is being created nearby
Saem village).

The second mission was joined by expert Madam Christiane Garnero Morena (ICOMOS) especially to assist with the
conceptualization of the future Preah Vihear museum and its immediate surroundings. A report will be submitted to
the UNESCO Phnom Penh Office by mid January 2010.

63
19 THE TEMPORARY ACCESS TO THE TEMPLE BY THE HISTORICAL STAIRCASE FROM THE EAST
IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION PENDING THE REHABILITATION OF THE HISTORICAL STAIRCASE

After months of survey, documentation, study, and planning a wooden staircase is being built wherever necessary,
parallel to the eastern historical rock and stone staircase to facilitate a secure and safe eastern entrance to the
monument and allow visitors to admire the old monumental structure. The drawings indicate the “tracé” of parts of
the wooden staircase alongside the original walkway.

The length of the eastern staircase: 1,450 metres

Gradual elevation: 0 – 650 metres
Temporary wooden staircase

“tracé” of historical staircase

Along the staircase, the ANPV will

provide amenities comprising 5
rest-areas, 3 sanitation standard
toilets, and 10 information posts.

64
The conservation of the surrounding vegetation and the historical rock and stone staircase has been
seriously taken into account and constantly observed, monitored and supervised by ANPV.
Photo Chhon ANPV, December 2009
65
 A section of wooden staircase providing access to the Temple from the east;
the flora is being preserved. Photo Chhon ANPV, December 2009
66
 Section of temporary wooden staircase is being built without hampering the
historical stone staircase. This will provide access to the Temple from the east.
67
Photo Chhon ANPV, December 2009
20 DEVELOPMENT

 Recognizing that the true custodians of the site are the local communities protecting and safeguarding it
for many centuries without any formal protection, their full participation and involvement in the
conservation and management of the site are very important;
 Identifying and implementing positive measures for the enhancement and appropriate development of the
site to improve the quality of life of its local communities through improving physical conditions,
infrastructure, and developing the site to generate cultural and economic opportunities for them;
 Ensuring that the site enriches the cultural, social and economic activities of the local community and
encouraging many other surrounding communities to engage with the site by raising awareness of its
values, vulnerabilities, limitations and opportunities offered especially since it is the world heritage site,

THE ROYAL GOVERNMENT OF CAMBODIA HAS EMBARKED

ON THE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT INCLUDING:

The Construction of Access Roads to the Area of the Temple

The construction of better roads linking Preah Vihear to Siemreap and other major towns is under way. The
construction of the access road to the site from the nearby village of Saem is on going.

The construction of the temporary wooden staircase providing access to the site from the east, for such construction
does not impede the conservation and future restoration of the historical stone staircase, is also under way.
ANPV will develop this access into a historic path with heritage walks.

68
MAP DELIMITING THE PROVISIONAL PROTECTED AREAS SURROUNDING THE TEMPLE OF PREAH
VIHEAR SITE FROM A1 TO A2, A3, A4, A5 and A6

Temple of
Preah Vihear

Access Road to the Temple

from Saem Village

Zone 1a: Core Zone: The Temple of Preah Vihear

Zone 2a: Original Buffer Zone
Zone 2b: Enlargement of the Buffer Zone
Zone 3a: Access Corridor to the Temple from Saem village
Zone 3b: Eco-Village
Zone 4a: Protected Zone: Biodiversity and Eco-System
Zone 4b: Agricultural Development Zone

69
the living area for families
of military, police and CMAC
personnel
the area reserved for
business investments

the Eco-global museum

the people living area

The layout of the development of Samdech Techo Eco-village for an active people participation, and for the integration of the closest
community to the Temple of Preah Vihear in the program for conservation, protection, and sustainable development of the World
Heritage property, in conformity with UNESCO and WHC standards. It includes (1) the people living area, the school, and the health
centre, (2) the Eco-global museum, (3) the living area for families of military, police and CMAC personnel, and (4) an area reserved for
business investments. (Drawing, NTFPV, May 2010)
70
 Building access road to the Temple of Preah Vihear from the village of Saem. In the background is the “Dangrek” mountain range.
Photo Chhon ANPV, December 2009

Construction of access road to Preah Vihear from the village of Saem is Access road linking Preah Vihear to other provinces at its completion
completed. In the background is the range of mountains, “Dangrek” stage. Photo NTFPV, May 2010
Photo NTFPV, May 2010
71
 Building 1,450 metres of temporary
wooden staircase to provide access to
the Temple from the east.

Photo Chhon ANPV, December 2009

72
A completed portion of temporary wooden staircase giving access
to the Temple of Preah Vihear from the East. Photo NTFPV, May 2010
73
The Improvement of the Living Conditions with the Integration of Eco-village to the Development
Zone

The Royal Government of Cambodia issued an executive order (EO No590) for the establishment of an eco-village,
named Samdech Techo Hun Sen Eco-village (STEV) with a dual purpose of improving the living conditions of 319
families displaced by the total destruction of their village by Thai rockets firing, 02 and 03 April 2009, and an
additional 475 families relocated from the village Ko Muoy in conformity with the management plan of the whole
Temple of Preah Vihear area. Each family receives a plot of 50 metres by 100 metres, 6 cubic metres of lumber and
enough corrugated iron sheets to roof a 5 by 10 metres house.

74
For those villagers who are incapable to build their houses on their own with the building materials given, the
government would build for them for free. In 5 months (mid-December 2009 through around mid-May 2010),
around 600 families among a total of 794 families have registered for the resettlement at the STEV, and a total of
320 houses have been built and occupied. Around 300 more houses are under different stages of construction and
many are soon to be completed. A school and a health center are being built, and will be open soon; 3 communal
water reservoirs, many water wells and individual household water reservoirs will ensure adequate provision of water
to the village. On the other hand STEV which covers an area of 43,977 hectares and a half will be integrated into
Preah Vihear’s conservation and sustainable development, becoming a vibrant working community, and inclusive for
the successful and meaningful management of the Temple of Preah Vihear.

The health center at the eco-village of Samdech Techo Hun Sen, under construction
Photo Chhon, ANPV, December 2009

75
The newly built health center at the eco-village of Samdech Techo A pediatrist at work. A scale to weight baby. Photo NTFPV May 2010
Hun Sen. It is now in full operation. Photo NTFPV, May 2010

76
 A primary school (from grade 1 to grade 6) under construction, Photo Chhon, ANPV, December 2009

Schoolchildren line-up to salute the National Color and sing the National The newly built school at the eco-village of Samdech Techo Hun Sen is open.
Anthem before day school starts. Photo NTFPV May 2010 Photo NTFPV, May 2010
77
 Teacher and schoolchildren greet visitors. Photo NTFPV, May 2010

They are ready to hoist the National Color. In the background,

are the newly built houses at the eco-village of Samdech Techo
Hun Sen. Photo NTFPV, May 2010 In-classroom activities. Photo NTFPV, May 2010

78
Water reservoirs, privately funded by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen Prime Minister of the
Kingdom of Cambodia and Lok Chumteav, Dr. Bun Rany Hun Sen

Experts under UNESCO mission are examining ancient water reservoir (East side of the Temple of
Preah Vihear) for future restoration. Photo Chhon, ANPV December 2009 79
The Project of the Eco-global Museum of Preah Vihear
The Royal Government of Cambodia dedicates 177 hectares of land for erecting the eco-global museum. At the end
of December 2009, 70% of the building has been completed. The main aisle connects a series of many parallel
buildings through their middles creating distinctive chambers were artifacts, statues, national cultural objects of arts,
traditional costumes, collection of national history books and documents will be displayed separately. Garden for spice
plants, medicinal plants, special local mountain plants and nurseries add the values of heritage and rural eco-tourism
to the museum.

Master plan of the eco-global museum of Preah Vihear. Design, NTFPV May 2010
80
The sight of the legendary warrior, LOKTA DY statue at the entrance raises the urge to appreciate the history of
Temple of Preah Vihear area.

The mausoleum (on the left) to house the statue of LOKTA DY (on the right) at the entrance gate of the eco-global museum of Preah Vihear.
Photo Nin/Puthikar/Sambat, December 2009

81
The statue of the legendary warrior LOKTA DY who had devoted his entire life His Excellency Dr. Sok An Deputy Prime Minister, Minister in Charge of the Office
protecting the Temple of Preah Vihear and all the areas under Cambodian of the Council of Ministers organized a traditional ceremony asking for peace and
sovereignty is finally erected under the mauseleum at the entrance of the eco- protection from the spirit of the legendary warrior, LOKTA DY.
global mssuseum of Preah Vihear. Photo NTFPV, May 2010 Photo OCM/RGC February 2010

82
The entrance of the eco-global museum of Preah Vihear at its completion stage of construction. Rows
of buildings connected by roofed walkways
Photo Nin/Puthikar/Sambat, December 2009 83
 The eco-global museum of Preah Vihear under construction
Photo Nin/Puthikar/Sambat, December 2009
84
The eco-global museum of Preah Vihear after construction. Photo NTFPV, May 2010

Inside the eco-global museum of Peah Vihear: His Excellency Dr. Sok An
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister in Charge of the Office of the Council of
Ministers reviewed the setting up of interior display, ready for inauguration
and open to tourists and the public. Photo OCM/RGC February 2010

85
21 THE KINGDOM OF CAMBODIA IMPLEMENTS THE RECOMMANDATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE
IN ITS DECISION 32 COM 8B.102, PARAGRAPH 16 AND DECISION 33 COM 7B.65

In conformity with the recommendations by the Committee in its Decision 32 COM 8B.102, Paragraph 16 and
Decision 33 COM 7B.65 the Kingdom of Cambodia submitted to the World Heritage Centre in January 2010, for
submission to the World Heritage Committee at its 34th session in 2010 a full Management Plan for the inscribed
property(on the left), and a report on the progress made in the implementation of the recommendations by the
Committee (on the right).

86
THE DESCRIPTION OF THE TEMPLE
OF PREAH VIHEAR

87
 MONUMENT AT GOPURA V
88
MONUMENT AT GOPURA IV
89
90
MONUMENT AT GOPURA III
MONUMENT AT GOPURA II
91
92
MONUMENT AT GOPURA I
 THE NATURAL SITE THE FOUNDATION

FOUNDATION ACT

The history of the founding of the temple of Preah Vihear is known thanks for the five
inscriptions. The first found at Angkor and the four others on the site of the Temple of
Preah Vihear.

Inscription K583 (found at Angkor) teaches us that at the beginning of the ninth century,
Indrayudha received the god Çiva order to bring to the site of Preah Vihear a “linga”,
extracted from the large stone “linga” on the mountain Vat Phu (Indrapura).

This linga was named Çikhareçvara,

“Lord of the SUMMIT”.

Inscription K380 affirm that “Çri Bhadreçvara of

Lingapura (Wat Phu) has been reborn at Çri Çikhareçvara
(Preah Vihear) ... to show its power in a visible fashion,
so that the world can admire”.

The site of Wat Phu from where comes “The Lord of the
Summit”

93
 THE NATURAL SITE AN OPEN LANDSCAPE

AN OPEN LANDSCAPE OF VAST PLAINS

The temple of Preah Vihear is built on a promontory that extends to the south.
The shrine opens to the sky and stands at the apex of a triangular piece of high ground
jutting out into the plain it “dominates”.

A VIEW OF THREE SUMMITS

A promontory framed by two ranges of mountains at each side presents a spectacle of

three majestic peaks.

THE THREE SUMMITS: A SYMBOLIC MEANING

The natural and spectacular setting of the three summits six hundred metres above of and
overlooking the plain was - according to some experts – an invocation of the spirit of the
founders of the Devine Trinity in Hinduism:

VISHNU - SHIVA - BRAHMA

The symbolic value of the site revealed by the inscriptions takes in its full meaning.

Distant view of successive summits: the promontory on which stands the Temple of Preah
Vihear, is in the middle.

94
 LANDSCAPE

VISUAL LIMITS

A panoramic view of Preah Vihear opens to the south, towards the plain.
From the site, the panorama opens to the horizon offering a discovery of
the plain as a whole.

The panoramic view is limited to the east and the west by the massive
ranges of mountains.

The panoramic composition of the site, extending the visual boundaries

from the monument to the plain, provided a particular meaning to the
entire scenery.

A LANDSCAPE OF NATURAL AND CULTURAL HIGH VALUE

The discovery of the majestic site of the Temple of Preah Vihear from the
plain by arriving from the South was a rare experience.

The plain set between the massive ranges of mountains constitutes a

breathtaking landscape of high natural and cultural value. View from the rocky outstretch of the promontory to the South-West and the village
of Kor 1 below.

Scenic view from the promontory to the plain, extending to the horizon and rolling between massive ranges of mountains from the east and the west.

95
 DESCRIPTION OF THE MONUMENT MAIN STRUCTURES

The temple of Preah Vihear presents an axial

plan having 800 metres in length with suc-
cessive and alternate “gopuras” and pave-
ments leading to the central shrine.
The north-south orientation of this axis is rel-
atively uncommon due to the (topography) of
the site.
THE GOPURA V:
A cruciform building consists of square
pillars and gables that supported a double
slope slide roof made of wood.
THE GOPURA IV:
This Gopura is also a cruciform building.
The gables support two superimposed orn-
ments.
THE GOPURA III:
This Gopura in cruciform plan opens to the
south by three doors. It is flanked by two
symmetrical galleries in U-shaped form and
ended by a long hall.
THE GOPURA II:
This Gopura, also in cruciform plan, is
followed by the east and west galleries. The
whole setting is a U-shaped delimiting a
courtyard with a large rectangular room and
pillars.
To the east and west of this room are the two
“libraries”.
THE GOPURA I and the first courtyard:
The large rectangular room with pillars made
up the first gopura.
It opens on a central courtyard of vaulted
galleries at the center of which stands the
sanctuary with a collapsed central tower.

96
 DESCRIPTION OF THE MONUMENT THE SECONDARY STRUCTURES

The water management works designed to complement the main structures of the monument demonstrate the
ingenuity of Khmer engineering in the vital field of water management. These works, sometimes, gigantic are
important to understand and to appreciate of monument.

WATER WORKS
THE GREAT BASIN:
A large east – west direction dam made of
blocks of sandstone on both sides of a small
valley to the north, forms a large basin which
receives all the waters of the west side of the
promontory bearing the temple.
THE WEST PAVEMENT:
The holding wall on the upper side of the
pavement is connected to a canal cut through
the rock which drains the water into a recepta-
cle and pours it into the large basin located in
low area.
THE MAIN RESERVOIR:
It measures 36 metres by 18 metres. This reser-
voir is partly cut in the rock and has walls of
steps made from blocks of sandstone. It is fed
by the rain waters of the east side of the plateau.
THE SMALL RESERVOIR:
A second, square-shaped reservoir of 9.5 metres
each side, with walls of steps made from blocks
of sandstone is located just above the main
reservoir. It is fed from the south with the rain
water from the area of the lion’s head.
OTHER WORKS:
The entire water management system is not
understood today. Other reservoirs and pipe
works appear in several locations and have yet
to be studied.

97
 DESCRIPTION OF MONUMENT COMPLEMENTARY WORKS

The main and secondary structures are connected to each other by complementary structures (pavements and
stairs) and are accompanied by water management infrastructure (basins and gutters). These structures constitute
integral parts of the monument.
COMPLEMENTARY WORKS
THE MAIN STAIRCASE:
The monumental staircase climbs the escarpment
leading to the plateau on which the temple stands.
It has 159 steps; half of each step is made of
blocks of sandstone and the other half is carved in
the rock.
THE WEST PAVEMENT:
This pavement of north-west south-east direction
was built on the broken slope of the escarpment
and against the line of sandstone short walls, lead-
ing to the foot of the “nagas” pavement.
THE NAGAS PAVEMENT:
The monumental staircase ends at a 25 metre long
pavement, itself bordered by railings made of
gigantic nagas.
THE EAST STAIRCASE:
The 10 metre-wide East staircase begins at
Gopura V and descend 400 metres along east side
of the escarpment of the promontory. Built in the
10th century, the staircase is in a very poor condi-
tion.
THE MAIN PAVEMENT:
It is beyond Gopura V, and was built against the
side walls of sandstone blocks in its northern part,
and cut into the rock in its southern part with rail-
ings of short pillars. It is 244 metres long and
leads to the Gopura IV.
THE SMALL PAVEMENT:
This pavement is 150 metres long, spanning
between Gopura III and IV with railings of short
pillars and other unidentifiable structures which
remain to be studied.

98
 THE ARCHITECTURAL DECORATION THE DECORATIVE THEMES

The temple of Preah Vihear is dedicated to Shiva.

The topics covered are vishnouite and shivaite. They provide an idea of religious
practice at the time of their creation.

One may be surprised to see so many vishnouite representations in a temple dedicat-

ed to the god Shiva.

The most beautiful stone-carved decorations of the temple are on the “lintels” and
doors “enfilade”.

THE TYMPANS

The doors “enfilade” are rich with scenes of mythology: churning of the sea of milk,
Khrishna Govardhan.

On several gates, the decorative motif of the doors “enfilade” is the same as the lintel.
Tympan on Gopura IV: churning of the sea of milk.
This recalls the décoration on the doors of the libraries at Phnom Chisor.

THE LINTELS

Several compositions of different types exist in Preah Vihear.

One is built around a central motif, almost always a head of kala or lion, which
develops into a symmetrical decoration.

Others are organized around a branch that is bending around creating more room for
the decorative motif.

Still others present in their center a small scene.

The mask or head of “Kala” is one of the elements of the decorative features of
Preah Vihear. They are directly inspired by the iconography of the temple of Banteay
Srei.
The lintel of Gopura IV: Khrishna killing Kalya

99
 View of sunset on the “Dangrek” range of mountains
from the Temple of Preah Vihear
100
101
 Appendix 1

I. DEFINITION OF THE CULTURAL AND NATURAL HERITAGE

Article 1
For the purposes of this Convention, the following shall be considered as “cultural heritage”:
monuments: architectural works, works of monumental sculpture and painting, elements or structures of an
archaeological nature, inscriptions, cave dwellings and combinations of features, which are of outstanding universal
value from the point of view of history, art or science;
groups of buildings: groups of separate or connected buildings which, because of their architecture, their
homogeneity or their place in the landscape, are of outstanding universal value from the point of view of history, art
or science;
sites: works of man or the combined works of nature and man, and areas including archaeological sites which are
of outstanding universal value from the historical, aesthetic, ethnological or anthropological point of view.

II. NATIONAL PROTECTION OF THE CULTURAL AND NATURAL HERITAGE

Article 6
Whilst fully respecting the sovereignty of the States on whose territory the cultural and natural heritage mentioned
in Articles 1 and 2 is situated, and without prejudice to property right provided by national legislation, the States
Parties to this Convention recognize that such heritage constitutes a world heritage for whose protection it is the
duty of the international community as a whole to co-operate.

The States Parties undertake, in accordance with the provisions of this Convention, to give their help in the
identification, protection, conservation and presentation of the cultural and natural heritage referred to in
paragraphs 2 and 4 of Article 11 if the States on whose territory it is situated so request.

102
III. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE WORLD CULTURAL AND
NATURAL HERITAGE

Article 8
An Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection of the Cultural and Natural Heritage of Outstanding Universal
Value, called “the World Heritage Committee”, is hereby established within the United Nations Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization. It shall be composed of 15 States Parties to the Convention, elected by States Parties to
the Convention meeting in general assembly during the ordinary session of the General Conference of the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The number of States members of the Committee shall be
increased to 21 as from the date of the ordinary session of the General Conference following the entry into force of
this Convention for at least 40 States.

The International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and restoration of Cultural Property – Rome Centre –
(ICCROM)

The International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)

The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN).

The Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection of the Cultural and National Heritage of Outstanding Universal
Value, called “the World Heritage Committee” (WHC)

Basic Texts of the 1972 World Heritage Convention,

2005 Edition, @ UNESCO 2005, p.10, 11 and 12

103
 Appendix 2

Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention

Protection and Management
96. Protection and Management of World Heritage Properties should ensure that the outstanding universal value,
the condition of integrity and/or authenticity at the time of inscription are maintained or enhanced in the future.
97. All properties inscribed on the World Heritage List must have adequate long-term legislative, regulatory,
institutional and/or traditional protection and management to ensure their safeguarding. This protection should
include adequately delineated boundaries. Similarly States Parties should demonstrate adequate protection at the
national, regional, municipal, and/or traditional level for the nominated property. They should append appropriate
texts to the nomination with the clear explanation of the way this protection operates to protect the property.
Operational Guidelines
MODIFICATIONS TO THE BOUNDARIES OF A WORLD HERITAGE PPROPERTY
Minor modifications to the boundaries
163. A minor modification is one which has not a significant impact on the extent of the property nor affects its
outstanding universal value.
164. If a State Party wishes to request a minor modification to the boundaries of a property already on the World
Heritage List, it shall submit this by 1 February to the Committee through the Secretariat, which will seek the advice
of the relevant Advisory Bodies. The Committee can approve such modification, or it may consider that the
modification to the boundary is sufficiently important to constitute an extension of the property, in which case the
procedure for new nominations will apply.
Significant modifications to the boundaries
165. If a State Party wishes to significantly modify the boundary of a property already on the World Heritage List,
the State Party shall submit this proposal as if it were a new nomination. This re-nomination shall be prepared by 1
February and will be evaluated in the full year an a half cycle of evaluation according to the procedures and timetable
outlined in paragraph 168. This provision applies to extensions, as well as reductions.
104
ADVISORY BODIES TO THE WORLD HERITAGE COMMITTEE
ICCROM
ICCROM (the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Properties) is an
international intergovernmental organization with headquarters in Rome, Italy. Established by UNESCO in 1956,
ICCROM’s statutory functions are to carry out research, documentation, technical assistance, training and public
awareness programmes to strengthen conservation of immovable and moveable cultural heritage.
ICOMOS
ICOMOS (the International Council on Monuments and Sites) is a non-governmental organization with headquarters
in Paris, France. Founded in 1965, its role is to promote the application of theory, methodology and scientific
techniques to the conservation of the architectural and archeological heritage. Its work is based on the principles of
the 1964 International Charter on the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and Sites (the Venice Charter)
IUCN
IUCN - the World Conservation Union (formely the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural
Resources) was founded in 1948 and brings together national governments, NGOs, and scientists in a worldwide
partnership. Its mission is to influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the
integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically
sustainable. IUCN has its headquarters in Gland, Switzerland.
Basic Texts of the 1972 World Heritage Convention,

2005 Edition, @ UNESCO 2005, p.41, 42 and p.56, 72 and 73

105
 Appendix 3

31 COM 8B.24-Examination of Nominations - Sacred Site of the Temple of Preah Vihear (CAMBODIA)
2007
Decision Text

1. The World Heritage Committee, Having examined documents WHC-07/31.COM/8B and WHC-07/31.COM/NF.8B.1,
2. Having taken note of the following statement by the Chair of the World Heritage Committee which has been
agreed to by the Delegation of Cambodia and the Delegation of Thailand:

“The State Party of Cambodia and the State Party of Thailand are in full agreement that the Sacred Site of the
Temple of Preah Vihear has Outstanding Universal Value and must be inscribed on the World Heritage List as soon
as possible. Accordingly, Cambodia and Thailand agree that Cambodia will propose the site for formal inscription on
the World Heritage List at the 32nd Session of the World Heritage Committee in 2008 with the active support of
Thailand.

They also agree that the site is in need of urgent attention and requires international financial and technical
assistance and close cooperation between them.

They further agree that it is essential to strengthen conservation and management at the site including by the
development of an appropriate management plan, as required under paragraph 108 of the Operational Guidelines,
that will ensure the future protection of this property.

They understand, following consultation with the World Heritage Centre, that financial and technical assistance for
the development of a management plan will be available through the World Heritage Centre’s International
Assistance programme.”

3. Recognizes that the Sacred Site of the Temple of Preah Vihear is of great international significance and has
Outstanding Universal Value on the basis of criteria (i), (ii) and (iv), agrees in principle that it should be inscribed
on the World Heritage List and notes that the process for inscription is in progress;
106
4. Requests the State Party of Cambodia to strengthen conservation and management plan, which progress in
developing an appropriate management plan, which progress will enable its formal inscription by the Committee at
its 32nd Session in 2008;

5. Further requests the State Party of Cambodia to submit a progress report to the World Heritage Centre, by 1
February 2008.

107
 Appendix 4

32COM 8B.102 - Examination of Nominations - Sacred Site of the Temple of Preah Vihear (CAMBODIA)
2008

Decision Text

The World Heritage Committee,

1. Having examined Document WHC-08/32.COM/INF.8B1.Add2,

2. Recalling Decision 31 COM 8B.24, which recognized ‘that the Sacred Site of the Temple of Preah Vihear is of
great international significance and has Outstanding Universal Value on the basis of criteria (i), (iii) and (iv), and
agreed in principle that it should be inscribed on the World Heritage List’,

3. Having noted the progress made by the State Party of Cambodia towards the development of a Management Plan
for the property, as requested by the Committee by its Decision 31 COM 8B.24 in Christchurch, New Zealand,

4. Expressing gratitude to the governments of Belgium, the United States of America, France, and India for
providing support for the work of experts to assist in this effort, and to the governments of China and Japan, as well
as ICCROM, for providing valuable expert input to this process

5. Recognizing that the Joint Communiqué signed on 18 June 2008 by the representatives of the Governments of
Cambodia and Thailand, as well as by UNESCO, including its draft which was erroneously referred to as having been
signed on 22 and 23 May 2008 in the document WHC-08/32.COM/INF.8B1.Add.2, must be disregarded, following
the decision of the Government of Thailand to suspend the effect of the Joint Communiqué, pursuant to the Thai
Administrative Court’s interim injunction on this issue,

6. Noting that the State Party of Cambodia submitted to the World Heritage Centre the revised graphic plan of the
property (RGPP) included in WHC-08/32.COM/INF.8B1.Add2 (hereinafter called “RGPP”) indicating a revised
perimeter of the area proposed for inscription on the World Heritage List,

108
7. Decides, on an exceptional basis, to accept, in view of the multilateral process leading to the elaboration of the
supplementary report submitted in May 2008 by the State Party of Cambodia at the request of the UNESCO World
Heritage Centre, the information submitted by the State Party beyond the deadline established in the paragraph 148
of the Operational Guidelines;
8. Recognizes that Thailand has repeatedly expressed a desire to participate in a joint nomination of the Temple of
Preah Vihear and its surrounding areas;
9. Notes that the property proposed for inscription is reduced and comprises only the Temple of Preah Vihear and
not the wider promontory with its cliffs and caves;
10. Considers further that archaeological research is underway which could result in new significant discoveries that
might enable consideration of a possible new transboundary nomination, that would require the consent of both
Cambodia and Thailand;
11. Encourages Cambodia to collaborate with Thailand for safeguarding the value of the property, in view of the fact
that peoples of the surrounding region have long treasured the Temple of Preah Vihear, and agrees that it would be
desirable in the future to reflect its full values and landscape setting through a possible additional inscription to the
World Heritage List that could capture criteria (iii) and (iv), which had been recognized by the Committee in its
Decision 31 COM 8B.24.
12. Inscribes the Temple of Preah Vihear, Cambodia, on the World Heritage List under criterion (i);
13. Adopts the following Statement of Outstanding Universal Value:
The Temple of Preah Vihear, a unique architectural complex of a series of sanctuaries linked by a system of
pavements and staircases on an 800 metre long axis, is an outstanding masterpiece of Khmer architecture, in terms
of plan, decoration and relationship to the spectacular landscape environment.
Criterion (i): Preah Vihear is an outstanding masterpiece of Khmer architecture. It is very ‘pure’ both in plan and
in the detail of its decoration.
Authenticity, in terms of the way the buildings and their materials express well the values of the property, has been
established. The attributes of the property comprise the temple complex; the integrity of the property has to a
109
degree been compromised by the absence of part of the promontory from the perimeter of the property. The
protective measures for the Temple, in terms of legal protection are adequate; the progress made in defining the
parametres of the Management Plan needs to be consolidated into an approved, full Management Plan;
14. Requests the State Party of Cambodia, in collaboration with UNESCO, to convene an international coordinating
committee for the safeguarding and development of the property no later than February 2009, inviting the
participation of the Government of Thailand and not more than seven other appropriate international partners, to
examine general policy matters relating to the safeguarding of the Outstanding Universal Value of the property in
conformity with international conservation standards;
15. Requests the State Party of Cambodia to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February 2009, the
following documents:
a) a provisional map providing additional details of the inscribed property and a map delineating the buffer zone
identified in the RGPP;
b) updated Nomination dossier to reflect the changes made to the perimeter of the property
c) confirmation that the management zone for the property will include the inscribed property and buffer zone
identified in the RGPP;
d) progress report on the preparation of the Management Plan;

16. Further requests the State Party of Cambodia to submit to the World Heritage Centre by February 2010, for
submission to the World Heritage Committee at its 34th session in 2010 a full Management Plan for the inscribed
property, including a finalized map.

110
 Appendix 5

33 COM 7B.65 - Temple of Preah Vihear (Cambodia) (C 1224 rev) 2009

Decision Text

The World Heritage Committee,

1. Having examined Document WHC-09/33.COM/7B.Add,

2. Recalling Decisions 31 COM 8B.24 and 32 COM 8B.102, adopted at its 31st session (Christchurch, 2007) and 32nd
Session (Quebec City, 2008) respectively,

3. Notes the developments that have occurred at the property since its inscription on the World Heritage List, the
information contained in the State Party report and the preliminary findings of the Reinforced monitoring mission;
4. Requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February 2010, a report on the progress
made in the implementation of the recommendations by the Committee in its Decision 32 COM 8B.102, for the exam-
ination by the World Heritage Committee at its 34th session in 2010.

Documents

Original Decision Document

WHC-09/33.COM/7B.Add

Themes: State of Conservation

States Parties Cambodia; Properties Temple of Preah Vihear

111
 Appendix 6

ELECTION OF TWELVE NEW MEMBERS

AT THE 1972 CONVENTION 17TH GENERAL ASSEMLY

In the new rules of procedure that were used during the elections, there were reserved seats for two groups of
countries.
N One for countries with no sites on the World Heritage List (United Arab Emirates got elected under this rule)
N And the other for countries from a region group that was not represented on the committee. (Russian
Federation was elected under this rule)

Elections
World Heritage Committee is composed of 21 Member States (elected without reserved seats for each region. This
makes it very competitive and this time round the election took all the afternoon on 26th October, 2009 and went on
past eleven o’clock at night to be completed). This time there were 30 candidates contesting for 12 vacant seats.

Election Results
The table below shows the different candidates for election to the HWC and the distribution of seats per regional
group after the election.

Electoral Group Outgoing Committee Candidates seeking Newly elected Composition of New
Members elections during the Committee Members 21 WHC (new
17th General Members and the
Assembly continuing Members
October 2009
Europe and North Canada France France Sweden
America Israel Switzerland Switzerland France
Spain Ireland Switzerland
USA

112
Eastern Europe Bulgaria
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Croatia Russia Russia
Estonia Estonia Estonia
Hungary
Russia
GRULAC Peru Bolivia Brazil
Cuba Columbia Mexico Barbados
Mexico Mexico
ASPAC Korea Afghanistan Australia
Cambodia Cambodia China
Indonesia Thailand Cambodia
Thailand Thailand
Africa Madagascar Ethiopia
Mauritius DRC Nigeria
Kenya Malawi South Africa
Mali South Africa Ethiopia
Senegal Ethiopia Mali
South Africa Mali
Tanzania
Togo
Arab States Morocco Iran Bahrain
Tunisia Iraq Egypt
Saudi Arabia UAE Jordan
Sudan Iraq UAE
UAE Iraq
Yemen
Total 12 30 12 21

113
Twelve members elected to World Heritage Committee, 2009

17th General Assembly of States Parties to the World Heritage Convention, Room II, UNESCO, Paris, France
Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Twelve new members were elected to the World Heritage Committee during the 17th General Assembly of States
Parties to the World Heritage Convention, held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France from 23 to 28 October. The
new members of the Committee are Cambodia, Estonia, Ethiopia, France, Iraq, Mali, Mexico, Russian Federation,
South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand and United Arab Emirates. Each country will serve a mandate of four years.

The 21-member World Heritage Committee meets once a year to discuss the state of conservation of sites inscribed
on the World Heritage List, and to add new sites to the List.

The next session of the Committee will be held from 25 July to 3 August 2010 in Brasilia, Brazil.

The General Assembly will also address the future of the World Heritage Convention, and discuss the theme “2012
and Beyond”, the road map toward the 40th anniversary of the Convention and a long-term vision.

114
 The Office of the Council of Ministers

THE TEMPLE OF PREAH VIHEAR

INSCRIBED ON THE WORLD HERITAGE LIST (UNESCO) SINCE 2008
Edition 2010
The Office of the Council of Ministers© 2010
Under the guidance of His Excellency Dr. Sok An, Deputy Prime Minister,
Minister in Charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers
Editor: Pen Ngoeun
Assistant Editor: Suos Yara
Advisors: Prof. Azedine Beschaouch, H.E. Var Kim Hong, H.E. Chan Tani, H.E. Chuch Phoeurn, H.E. Long Visalo,
H.E. Svay Sitha, H.E. Phay Siphan, H.E. Ros Borat, H.E. Sok Sath, H.E. Ung Molyvann
H.E. Madam Tan Theany, H.E. Hang Soth, H.E. San Sophorn
Assistants: Nin, Pheakdey, Puthikar, Sambath, Socheat, Sokunthea, Sopheaktra
With the collaboration of:
The Preah Vihear Task Force of the Office of the Council of Ministers
The National Task Force for Conservation and Development of Preah Vihear
The Press and Quick Reaction Unit of the Office of the Council of Ministers
115
 The Office of the Council of Ministers
of
The Royal Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia

Printed in Phnom Penh

CAMBODIA 2010