I. Introduction

The ultimate goal is to develop a sustainable locally based NGO for archaeology, anthropology and most importantly, education. Qualified professionals are available. The benefits to local communities, other stakeholders, etc. will be mutual. This will even result in poverty reduction. It has already been proven in areas like Sre Ampil (H.E, Son Soubert and Phon Kaseka). Increased tourism has benefited mutual education and the local economy.

Archaeological research has been conducted in many places in Cambodia. The Angkor Wat temple complex is one of the world’s most renowned archaeological/historical destinations. The main sites date back to over 1000 years ago but some may go back several thousand years (e.g., the EFEO recently excavated bronze age burials in the West Baray; pillars etc. in Angkorian sites date to the post-Angkor period in the 15^th-16^th century, etc.). Government institutions are deeply involved as well as foreign researchers, NGOs, etc. Cheung Ek, known as the killing fields, has over 50 archaeological sites including a very large circular earthwork site that is important for understanding urbanization. It is unique. It is being rapidly compromised by modern development and urgently requires attention.

Over one million tourists visit the Angkor complex every year in a country of only thirteen to fourteen million people. Other potential research and tourist sites number in the thousands (see Bruno Bruguier and Chan Sovichetra, Ecole Francaise d’ Extreme Orient 2005).

The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts (MCFA), Royal Academy of Cambodia (RAC) and other relevant institutions are working within the constraints of their budgets and capacity. With capacity and budget problems, the work and implementation is slow. The resources are non-renewable and quickly disappearing due to looting, development and lack of public education.

The work needs support from international cooperation (IOs), NGOs, and local communities.

There are many NGOs and IOs working on social and political issues in Cambodia. There are very few NGOs and IOs working on culture preservation and development or doing research related to archaeological resources. Most attention is focused on temple restoration rather than management.

This also relates to tourism and education. These are vitally important factors.

Most Important: We propose to establish an NGO named “Khmer Archaeological Society” based in Phnom Penh and the USA. We will seek funding from national and international sponsors to fulfill our goals. The ultimate goal is to preserve past and present Cambodian and Southeast Asian culture. This includes minorities, such as the Cham and Kuy. The outcome will include a cultural, educational and economic “win-win” result.

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II. Goals

The goals of the Khmer Archaeological Society are to preserve the cultural heritage for future generations, by:

• Conducting research on archaeological sites: Research proposals will be submitted to local and international organizations. Archaeological sites and CRM (cultural resource management) are imminent. This includes cultural traditions such as Neak Ta traditions with important ecological, cultural and archaeological sites (recent surveys at Phum Prasat by Latinis and Lye; personal communication). Data is important for filling gaps in the history of Cambodia and Southeast Asia. The models will be universally important.

• Focusing on archaeological site preservation, rescue operations (salvage), research and education. Site destruction is a hot issue with which the government and other institutions are trying to cope. Local involvement and education will be a main priority.

• Building site museums. Artifacts collected at sites should be displayed at those sites in a proper site museum. Retention of cultural treasures by the communities in which they are found is good for reinforcing cultural identity, local morale, the economy and the education of villagers and tourists who will jointly support the museums. Such a strategy has already been shown to be effective in places like Wat Bo (Siem Reap), Sre Ampil (Kandal) and Svay Chek (Banteay Meanchey).

• Developing cultural and historic tourism within the archaeological sites. Expand to reduce negative impacts and increase awareness. Tour agencies currently neglect other areas in the country where there is tourism potential. For example, Sambor Prei Kuk (the third largest temple complex in Asia containing more than 250 temples dating to the 7^th-8^th century) are sorely neglected yet possess cultural, historical/archaeological and eco-tourism potential. Tourism development will attract national and international visitors to spend time in other parts of Cambodia beyond Angkor. Successful implementation of this strategy will reduce problems caused by over-visitation of the principal sites of Angkor. Local poverty will be reduced, and local and international awareness will be increased. The quality of the tourist experience will also be enhanced (statistics available on request from D. Kyle Latinis 1995-2006).

• Enhancing training programs for the Royal University of Fine Arts (RUFA) and other universities. Archaeology students from RUFA will have more opportunities to practice their skills after practical, methodological and theoretical training. Training will ensure their capacity after graduation.

• Creating jobs for young Cambodians with marketable skills. This benefits local people, tour agencies, government agencies, and tour guides. The intention is to develop human resources and Cambodian society as well as foreign cultures. In this way we can reduce or prevent problems due to cultural misunderstanding.

• Developing international and local relationships in research contexts within Southeast Asia. SPAFA and SEASREP are examples of currently existing societies that can benefit. However, our objectives need to be focused and we will coordinate with other societies that are more regionally/globally based.

Further Information:

• Mr. Phon Kaseka
• Mobile Phone: (855)12 605 767
• Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Website: www.khmeras.org