World Heritage

The World had learned from the devastation and destruction of the two world wars, To promote understanding between people and to secure peace, UNESCO was founded on November 16, 1945, as the educational, scientific, and cultural organization of the UN.

The World Heritage figure represents the interdependence of the world’s natural and cultural diversity (Including Intangible Cultural Heritage). The idea of World Heritage was born, following the event in Abu Simbel during the 1960s. As a result, the initial member states of UNESCO signed the world heritage convention and were convicted to encourage the identification, protection, and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity in 1972. Apart from contributing to the preservation of these remarkable places, it also promotes cultural exchange, dialogue, and peace in a sustainable way. For a site to be included in the world heritage list, it must first be nominated by the country in which it is located. the nomination is examined by international experts, who decide whether the inclusion in the list is justified. Ultimately, the World Heritage Committee, a body of 21 elected states, takes a vote. The World Heritage Sites show the diversity of cultures and natural phenomena and are tangible evidence of the bond between human beings and nature.

Intangible Cultural Heritage, on the other hand, takes infinite forms. it is a source of human creativity and cultural diversity. Living Heritage brings human beings and communities closer together. The 2003 Convention aims at safeguarding this heritage and ensuring its continuous transmission. When the 2003 convention took effect, the lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage were established in 2008. In 2017, marked 10 years of the list was established, UNESCO listed almost 500 intangible cultural heritage elements.

Cambodia became a member of UNESCO on July 3, 1951. The UNESCO office operated since then until it was closed in 1975 due to the internal political situation, and the organization’s operations were suspended nationwide. Fortunately, the UNESCO office in Phnom Penh was reopened in 1991. Since the resumption of its operation across the country till the present day, Cambodia has four temple sites listed in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List (Angkor “1992”; Temple of Preah Vihear “2008”; Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk, Archaeological Site of Ancient Ishanapura “2017”; Koh Ker: Archaeological Site of Ancient Lingapura or Chork Gargyar “2023”) and seven Cambodian Intangible cultural heritage traditions or practices listed in the UNESCO lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage (Royal Ballet of Cambodia “proclaimed in 2003 and inscribed in 2008”; Sbek Thom, Khmer Shadow Theatre “proclaimed in 2005 and inscribed in 2008”; Tugging rituals and games “2015”; Chapei Dang Veng “2016”; Lkhon Khol Wat Svay Andet “2018”; Kun Lbokator; traditional martial arts in Cambodia “2022”), Krama (Khmer Scarf) “2024” as follows: