The Governments of Cambodia and Mexico jointly organised the first online colloquium on Archaeology and Restoration from June 8 to 22, 2021, according to a press release received from UNESCO.
The objective of the symposium was to share knowledge and best practices in the field of archeology at the sites of Angkor, Preah Vihear and Koh Ker in Cambodia and Teotihuacán, the Historic Centre of Oaxaca and Archaeological Site of Monte Albán in Mexico.
Being broadcasted in English, Khmer and Spanish on YouTube and Facebook, over 17,000 participants attended the colloquium. Attendants were researchers from Cambodia and Mexico specialised in conservation and restoration, and students from the collective La Buona Impresión, the Universities in Oaxaca, the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) in Mexico and the Faculty of Fine Arts and the Faculty of Archeology at Royal University of Fine Arts and APSARA staff in Cambodia.
The event contributed to strengthening dialogue between Mexican and Cambodian heritage experts who addressed the complexity of their work. In her closing address, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, H.E. Ms. Phoeurng Sackona applauded the joint initiative while underlining the key role played by Cambodian and Mexican archeologists and restorers for the safeguarding of cultural heritage:
“The physical distance between our two countries is more than 15,000 km and the time difference is exactly 12 hours, but this is no barrier for the two nations located on the opposite side of the planet. Although our cultures are different, the problems we face in preserving our monuments are similar.
I also observed vibrant and important exchanges focusing on difficulties within the profession of archaeology and heritage conservation. These professionals shared their passion that helped them overcome obstacles, and most significantly, when they came across discoveries that signal real advances for their work. Archeology is essential for research, conservation and restoration as well as protection of historic sites.’’
H.E. Ms. Phoeurng Sackona also expressed her wish that dialogue between Mexican and Cambodian archaeologists continues to foster future cooperation. She went on saying that “these relationships will help maintain crucial contact between experts in heritage protection, especially for the younger generations of Cambodian and Mexican professionals.”
UNESCO appreciates the knowledge exchange between Mexico and Cambodia on conservation and best practices in the respective UNESCO World Heritage Sites as the collaboration between INAH and APSARA National Authority, the two organisers of the online conference, which commenced in 2015, to enhance dialogue and provide training opportunities to young Mexican and Cambodian archeologists has paved the way for future archeologists and restorers, to learn from fieldworks at some of the most outstanding heritage sites in the world.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press