Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Growing tourism in Cambodia threatens temples

Cambodia's ancient temples at Angkor Wat are under threat from the large numbers of tourists who are now visiting the site. (Photo: CCTV.com)

07-01-2008
CCTV (China)

Cambodia's ancient temples at Angkor Wat are under threat from the large numbers of tourists who are now visiting the site.

There are fears that ongoing damage to the temple's soft stone may mean they could eventually be destroyed. The government is making efforts to preserve the site, but experts warn that time is running out.

Cambodia's temples at Angkor Wat are considered among the best surviving examples of ancient religious architecture in the world.

Lost to the jungle for centuries, the temples were rediscovered in 1860 by French botanist Henri Mouhot.

For many Cambodians, Angkor Wat represents the heart and soul of the nation.

The temples were built about a thousand years ago. Relief work on the walls tell of the many threats the ancient empire survived throughout the centuries.

But today a new threat to the temples comes from mass tourism - thousands of tourists now visit the area every day.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Nothing will last forever, well mind enjoys while it's still good. Who Know when we'll be hit by a huge earthquake.

Anonymous said...

Sure nothing will last forever but things can be restored to original condition to last forever!

Anonymous said...

it has values because the visitors give it.

Anonymous said...

well, everyone in the world seems to love angkor wat now. welcome to cambodia, we love you long time. god bless cambodia.

Anonymous said...

Now all of us know that the root of tree destroy the temple. Should we let temple or root of the tree will be destroyed?