SPAFA WORKSHOPS

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SEAMEO-SPAFA Workshop on Current Development in Southeast Asian Archaeology, Thailand, March 8-14, 1993 (except from SPAFA Journal 3 (1): 31-32 (January-April 1993)).

Twelve participants in the field of archaeological studies from SPAFA member states, as well as observers, converied at SPAFA's headquarters to share their research which reflect current developments in archaeology in the Southeast Asian region.

Members welcomed the participation of two new member states, Lao PDR and Vietnam, represented by Mr. Thongsa Sayavongkhamdy, Director-General of the Department of Museums and Archaeology and Professor Ha Van Tan, Director of the Institute of Archaeology, National Centre for Social Sciences, respectively. The presence of these two participants was a valuable contribution to a more comprehensive discussion of research in the region.

As part of the workshop activities, participants visited two sites, Tha Khae and Non Pa Wai in Lopburi Province, central Thailand. At Tha Khae, current archaeological excavations are conducted by a joint Thai-Italian team under the leadership of Mr.Surapol Natapintu and Dr.Roberto Ciarla, also an observer to the workshop. The group was able to observe the archaeologists at work, their methodology, systems of recording, tools and equipment used, including the applications of their new computers (hardware, software and peripherals) in archaeological research.

After the presentation of their reports, workshop members conducted open discussions on important issues affecting archaeological work. Contemporary concerns discussed included the management of cultural heritage, organization of archaeological entities and museums and the current state of archaeological laboratories for scientific analysis in member countries.

These discussions lead to the drafting and adoption of a statement of facts, a statement of principles and recommendations to be implemented by SPAFA and its member states. This special meeting of the region's archaeologists was made possible by the generous cooperation and funding of the Japan Cultural Centre in Bangkok.

SPAFA Specialists in Archaeology and Experts Consult on Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia, at the UNESCO office from April 1-4, 1993 (excerpt from SPAFA Journal 3 (2): 35 (May-August 1993)).

Participants included representatives from 16 institutions of both government and non-government organizations. Site inspection trips were also provided for in situ discussions. In reviewing previous research and training, the experts felt the need for a master plan as an urgency to govern specific activities such as restoration, excavation and ground surveys. In this connection, the Zoning and Environmental Management Plan (ZEMP) project was established, following the inclusion of Angkor on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites and on the list of World Heritage in Danger. ZEMP is financed by UNDP and SIDA (Swedish International Development Agency) with in-kind contributions of technical assistance and equipment from the Angkor Foundation of Hungary, United States National Park Service, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and the Fine Arts Department of Thailand.

The immediate objective of the project is to draw up a basic zoning and environmental management plan for the entire site of Angkor. This will contribute to the socio-economic development strategy of the country, which will reinforce the potential for the potential for tourism development and the exploitation of renewable natural resources through the preservation of the environment of the Angkor site together with its historical monuments and archaeological material cultures. The plan will also serve as a basis for the formal delimitation of the Angkor Archaeological Park and the buffer zones which the Cambodia authorities are required to submit to the World Heritage Committee.

Participants were invited to examine GIS (Geographic Information System) equipment at work at the UNESCO office in Siem Reap. Cambodian students are being trained on this course. Site inspection was conducted in situ for discussin of many topics such as Neak Pean, North Baray, and West Baray on hydrology and the problem of water supply. Baphuon and Pre Rup on soil mechanics and related engineering problems and at Angkor Wat on vegetation's, moulds, bacteria and problems of surface treatment in stone conservation.

Mr.Pisit Charoenwonga, SPAFA Senior Specialist in Archaeology participated in the meeting. SPAFA had proposed to UNESCO to train managers and administrators in restoration. Mr.Charoenwongsa was informed by Miss Minja Yang, Head, UNESCO Task Force on Cambodia and Head, Angkor Unit that SPAFA's proposal was approved by UNESCO with some amendments in relation to the number of trainees.

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