(KPL) Lao Government met UNESCO’s officials in Xieng Khuang province on July 1-2 to discuss on listing Xieng Khuang’s Plain of Jars as the 3rd world heritage site in the country.
The meeting, chaired by Xieng Khuang Vice Governor Khampien Sinounthong, was financed by Australian Commission for UNESCO.
Taking part at the event were Deputy Director of Heritage Department of Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism Mr. Viengkeo Souksavatdy and 25 relevant officials from government, Xieng Khuang province, Australian Embassy to Laos, UNESCO Consultant based in Bangkok, Mr. Ricardo Favis and UNESCO and Australia-related officials.
The meeting tackled issues such a survey report on registration, UXOs clearance and information collection of four periods since 2008 to 2010. The report has revealed that over 2,000 jars, 207 jar covers, 571 stones for making jars have been found and scatted in 77 sites of ancient plain of jars.
54 ancient sites in the plain of jars have not yet been surveyed in eight districts in Xien Khuang province and one district in Luang Prabang province. The local authorities in seven villages of five districts have been trained on how to protect the plain of jars and clearing it from UXOs.
According to the future plan, the authorities will carry on advertising for the tourists, creating a control and management plan for jar heritage.
Mr. Samlane Luang-aphai, Deputy Director General of Heritage Department said that the Lao government has paid attention to the preservation of 85 sites of plain of jars and 15 national heritage sites in the country including That Luang stupa, Wat Phou Champasak, Luang Prabang town, plain of jars, Sisaket temple, Hor Phakeo museum, Si Mueang temple, Ong Tue temple, Inpeng temple, Oub Mong temple, Sikhot stupa, Phou Asa, Tham Ting cave, That Ing Hang stupa, and Viengsay district in Houaphanh province. He claimed that the entry of the world heritage site for plain of jars in Xieng Khuang province has not yet been ready due to the work in progress of the drafting master plan, historical survey, archeological science, social science, natural and environment law. The Plain of Jars is a megalithic archaeological landscape dating back 2,500 to 3,000 years.
Source: KPL Lao News Agency
Published on July 03, 2013
