An official from the APSARA National Authority (ANA) has outlined the authority’s accomplishments of the past 30 years with a group of visiting journalists. He drew particular attention to the conservation of the temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park, and noted that since its formation in 1995, there has never been a time when Angkor was abandoned.

During the May 27 “Achievements and Responsibilities of the APSARA National Authority over 30 Years” press conference, Long Kosal, ANA deputy director-general, highlighted that the most significant achievement over the past 30 years is the conservation and sustainable development of the Angkor historical site.

He noted that key accomplishments include the conservation of ancient temples, archaeological research, human resource training, cooperation with international partners, and tourism and cultural development at the Angkor site. Kosal also mentioned the successful management of water and forest resources, infrastructure development, land management within the park, urban heritage preservation, and the protection and conservation of other archaeological sites in Siem Reap province, among others.

The ANA official also drew attention to the establishment of the Run Ta Ek natural village, as ecotourism site located close to Run Ta Ek town, a new community developed for people who were relocated from within the Angkor park area.

He also reiterated that local communities and the ANA have tirelessly worked to preserve the remarkable ancestral heritage treasure of Angkor Wat.

“There has never been a time when Angkor was abandoned in the hearts of Cambodians; Angkor has been cared for across all generations,” he said.

Since its establishment, the ANA has played a crucial role in managing, protecting and conserving the Angkor site. The fame of the Angkor site attracts millions of domestic and international tourists every year, each of them drawn to learn more about the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site.