21 February 2013
Siem Reap, Cambodia – The APSARA Stone Conservation Unit (SCU), in cooperation with GIZ, recently launched a new training program for 20 young Cambodians to become stone conservation experts. In February 2013, GIZ handed over necessary training equipment and a new vehicle to the APSARA SCU to ensure safe and reliable access to remote stone conservation field sites.
“We are very happy that we can finally launch the training program. Our SCU Experts have been working hard during the last 2 years to make this training happen. Training local conservators and providing work opportunities is a major step towards Cambodia’s development process. The demand on skilled and well trained conservators is high since in Angkor region alone there are hundreds of temples in urgent need of conservation. This could mean many secure incomes for local conservators and ultimately reducing poverty.”
The training program is the only of its kind in Cambodia, and is addressing the urgent need to train stone conservationists from within-in. The program builds local capacities, contributes to the countries’ rich tradition of stone carving and aims to keep conservation in the hands of the people the historical sites belong to In 2012 the project has published a training handbook for stone conservation in English and Khmer languages compiling the practical work and techniques of conservators while working on-site. The lectures for the training and a detailed curriculum have been developed.
H.E. Ros Borath, Deputy Director of APSARA National Authority, attended the event and signed the official handover of GIZ training equipment. The program’s new trainees, SCU trainers, GIZ Advisors and the Director of the Department DCMA, Madame Mao Loa, also attended the ceremony. In upcoming months, more information on the progress of this program will be available.
For more information on The APSARA Stone Conservation Unit Project with GIZ, please contact:
Ms. Josephin Rösler
Tel: +855 12 229 547
Email: [email protected]