Draft Agreement Reached on Land Use Terms for Angkor Archaeological Park

Government officials and heritage authorities have reached a draft agreement on land use terms for the Angkor Archaeological Park, aiming to balance cultural preservation with community development. The agreement, led by Deputy Prime Minister Say Samal and Culture Minister Phoeurng Sackona, involves representatives from the Ministry of Land Management, the Apsara National Authority, and the Siem Reap Provincial Administration. The draft land use plan will clearly define zones for conservation and sustainable development, support the livelihoods of communities living in and around the World Heritage Site, and include guidelines for new markets and infrastructure.

Key Takeaways:

• The draft agreement on land use terms was reached in a meeting held Thursday in Phnom Penh, involving representatives from the Ministry of Land Management, the Apsara National Authority, and the Siem Reap Provincial Administration.
• The draft land use plan will apply to 114 villages and include guidelines for new markets and infrastructure.
• The plan aims to balance cultural preservation with community development, supporting the livelihoods of communities living in and around the World Heritage Site.
• The draft will undergo legal review before being submitted to the Council of Ministers later this year.
• The initiative follows discussions surrounding the "Angkor White Book," a guiding document promoting national unity, shared responsibility, and public understanding of Angkor's cultural significance.
• Heng Vibol, a former Angkor resident, welcomed the government's efforts but called for transparency and fairness in the implementation of land policies.
• The government has offered plots of 20 by 30 metres in Run Ta Ek and Peak Sneng to families relocating from the Angkor area, with resettlement areas equipped with roads, electricity, water, schools, and healthcare facilities.

Statistics:

• The draft land use plan will apply to 114 villages.
• The resettlement areas have been equipped with roads.
• The resettlement areas have been equipped with electricity.
• The resettlement areas have been equipped with water.
• The resettlement areas have been equipped with schools.
• The resettlement areas have been equipped with healthcare facilities.

Sources:

• The Ministry of Land Management's spokesman, Seng Lot.
• Culture Minister Phoeurng Sackona.
• Deputy Prime Minister Say Samal.
• Heng Vibol, a former Angkor resident.