Developing a strategy for the Angkor World Heritage Site

Abstract Angkor contains the spectacular remains of the metropolitan cities of the Khmer Empire that flourished in the 11th–14th centuries. A large area was recently inscribed on the list of World Cultural Heritage Sites. A condition of inscription is the adoption of a zoning plan and legal framework for protection and management of the site. Tourism is an important economic activity at Angkor. A zoning plan for the Angkor region focuses on promoting sustainable development of natural and cultural resources. It attemps to achieve a balance between strict protection of archaeological sites and planned development of tourism and urban and rural development in a support zone. The government is establishing agencies to manage the site and regulate development.