PHNOM PENH: A joint research report between the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Culture surveyed the nation’s 73 protected areas and found 27 cultural heritage sites within them. The Minister of Culture said that this discovery is a testament to the history, civilization, traditions and souls of their Khmer ancestors.

On August 17, the two ministries presented a "Dissemination of maps of cultural heritage sites located in protected areas" at the Ministry of Environment, designating 27 new sites relevant to Cambodia’s historical identity.

Deputy Director General of the General Department of Protected Areas, Seng Sot, said that the report will help society to preserve, protect and preserve natural resources and cultural heritage.

He said that the list of 27 cultural heritage sites does not include the Angkor Archaeological Park, the Preah Vihear Temple complex or the Sambor Prei Kuk site, which have already been designated by royal decree and have their own management teams.

One of the heritage sites, Phnom Kulen in the Jayavarman-Norodom National Park, contained an impressive 1,069 artifacts and structures of historical significance within one designated area.

Minister of Culture, Phoeurng Sackona, lauded the efforts of the working groups from the two Ministries who participated in the protection and preservation of cultural heritage sites located in protected areas for the benefit of Cambodian’s connection to their ancestors through a rich and varied cultural history.

Cambodia plays a historical role in the establishment of natural reserves in Southeast Asia. In 1993, King Norodom Sihanouk established 23 protected areas by royal decree, with 50 more being designated in the last 30 years. Angkor Wat made history as the first natural reserve established in Southeast Asia in 1925.