ABSTRACT
Archaeological research and heritage conservation in Cambodia are interlinked by the country’s historical and social experiences. The French colonial administration initiated a long-term research program through the work of epigraphers, architects, and archaeologist, starting at the end of the 19th century until the Cambodian civil war. This program provided training to Cambodian elites through the Royal University of Fine Arts and facilitated the emergence of Khmer scholars. However, the civil war brutally stopped this process. This disruption led to a dramatic period in Cambodian modern history that shaped the current cultural landscape. For example, rural communities such as those in Phnom Kulen, a sandstone forested plateau where a former Angkorian capital from the 9th century CE was established, suffered immensely from the conflict, as it was one the last Khmer Rouge strongholds in Cambodia. Archaeology and heritage conservation have also undergone challenges as the communities living in the plateau faced economic problems. Recently, the Archaeology and Development Foundation set up a unique program where various activities respond to local problems through archaeological research, heritage conservation, sustainable development, and environmental protection. This chapter illustrates the various programs adapted to local issues as well as constraints and challenges encountered.
