ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on Cambodia's archaeological heritage and nearly 25 years of post-conflict capacity-building efforts. It offers an historical perspective on heritage training in Cambodia through the colonial, post-colonial, and eras. The chapter discusses some "best practices" for archaeological heritage and capacity-building in Cambodia. Cambodians and—since 1992, when Angkor Wat was inscribed as a World Heritage site—the greater global community value Cambodia's archaeological heritage. World Heritage site listings are both a boon and a liability for developing countries, since World Heritage sites draw tourists and require intensive management by national agencies. The Khmer Rouge left Cambodia's Angkorian temples intact, perhaps for nationalist reasons, but two decades of neglect left enormous conservation needs. Khmers also appreciate their built heritage, including temples scattered throughout the Angkor Archaeological Park. Just as many Khmers visit Buddhist pagodas to pray and make offerings, so they also visit Angkorian temples: not simply to admire architectural details, but also to experience them physically.
