Cambodian Culture Minister Urges UNESCO to Strengthen Regulations on Unauthorized Copying of World Heritage Sites
At the 25th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, Cambodian Minister Phoeurng Sackona urged UNESCO to take urgent action against the rising problem of unauthorized replicas of World Heritage sites. Sackona stressed that stronger international regulations are needed to protect the authenticity of these cultural landmarks.
The session, held Monday through Tuesday, was chaired by Gayane Umerova and saw participation from UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enani, according to Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts.
Rising Threat of Counterfeit World Heritage Sites
During her address, Minister Sackona highlighted the growing trend of unauthorized replicas of iconic World Heritage sites. She pointed out that existing regulations, such as the 1970 Convention on Cultural Property and the 1972 World Heritage Convention, are not enough to prevent the illegal creation of these copies.
Sackona specifically referenced a controversial replica of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat being constructed in a neighboring country. She condemned this act, stating it undermines the site’s Outstanding Universal Value and threatens the identity of local communities.
Call for Urgent UNESCO Action
To combat this issue, Sackona called for UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre and the UNESCO Council of Jurists to develop clear guidelines within the 1970 and 1972 Conventions. She also urged all UNESCO member states to work together to prevent similar unauthorized replicas, particularly as globalization makes it easier to replicate World Heritage sites without oversight.
Conclusion: Protecting Cultural Heritage Globally
Minister Sackona’s call to action reflects a growing global concern about preserving the authenticity of World Heritage sites. With the increase in unauthorized copying, it’s clear that stronger regulations and international cooperation are essential to safeguard these cultural treasures for future generations.
