A Royal Decree (Reachkret) approved by the H.M. the king in May of 1994 defines the perimeter of protection of the Siemreap region, the nature of four other national categories of protected sites, and corresponding management regulations. Most specifically directed toward the protection of cultural heritage, this law provides for the initial implementation of zoning proposals made by the ZEMP project and presented in a report annexed to the Royal Decree. The demarcations of Siemreap’s five protected zones are fixed by the said report. ZEMP recommendations more precisely designed for environmental protection are to be subsequently pursued. The protection categories and demarcations in the Angkor region, along with brief indications of management regulations for each zone, are presented here.

Zone1: Monumental Sites

are areas which contain the most significant archaeological site in the country and therefore deserve the highest level of protection.

Zone 2: Protected Archaeological Reserves

are areas rich in archaeological remains which need to be protected from damaging land use practices and inappropriate development. They will most frequently surround monumental Sites, providing protection to adjacent areas of known or likely archaeological importance. Zone 1 and 2 require intensive management aimed at integrating archaeological and visitor interests with local interests and needs.
Three main Monumental Sites identified in the region are those of Angkor, Rolous and Banteay Srei. Each lies within a Protected Archaeological Reserve which, in the case of the Angkor site, acts as a buffer zone. Additional sites could be added at a later date to protect and manage areas such as Beng Mealea, Koh Ker, or Preah Khan in Kompong Svay.
The three sites, including their Archaeological Reserves zones, cover the areas with the highest density of archaeological remains, including the original sites of the ancient Angkorian capital, with most of the well-known temples and many ancient hydrological structures such as the barays, canals and dikes. The Protected Archaeological Reserve around the Angkor site also contains a large local population whose interests are to be protected.
The Angkor Monument Site and its Archaeological Reserve comprises an area of more than 350 square kilometers. It contains:

the original Angkor Park as designated in 1925 and reconfirmed with minor modifications during the subsequent decades;
additional areas which together constitute the core of the Angkor Monumental Site;
a protection zone to safeguard archaeological sites in the surrounding landscape (zone2); and
buffer areas, particularly between Siemreap and Angkor Vat, which are necessary to conserve the integrity of the Monumental Sites, Preserve the area as a tourist attraction and prevent all development not essential to the protection of the cultural heritage.

Zone 3: Protected Cultural Landscapes

are areas with distinctive landscape characteristics which should be protected on a account of their traditional features, land use practices, varied habitats, historic building, or man-made features from the past or of recent origin that contribute to the cultural value or reflect traditional lifestyles and patterns of land use. Cultural Landscapes may also serve to safeguard visual perspectives and relationships between significant features which contribute to their historic or aesthetic value. Protected Cultural Landscapes are subject to regulations aimed at controlling damaging and disruptive activities.
The ancient canalized river valleys of the Stung Siemreap and Stung Roluos from where they flow off the Phnom Kulen totheir mouths at the Tonle Sap have been designated Protected Cultural Landscapes. The ancient causeways running from the Angkor site northwest to banteay Srei are Cultural Landscapes extending the protected areas of the Angkorian heritage and further into the surrounding environment. These areas may be expanded and other areas zoned for protection at a later date.

Zone 4: Sites of Archaeological, Anthropological or Historic Interest

Includes all other important archaeological sites, but of less significance than Monumental Sites, that require protection for research, education or tourist interest. The sites and areas are subject to regulations aimed at controlling damaging activities similar to those applying to Protected Archaeological Reserves.
A number of the more important below and above-ground archaeological sites identified within the Siemreap region, such as Phnom Krom, Wat Athvea and Chau Srei Vibol are indicative of the areas included in Zone 4. Other sites may be included in the future.

Zone 5: The Socio-economic and Cultural Development Zone of the Siemreap region, comprising the whole of Siemreap province, is the largest zone to which protective policies apply.

This comprehensive zone covers an area of 10,000 square kilometers including the Phnom Kulen, the shores of the Tonle Sap and the Angkor plain. It conforms largely to the catchment area of greater metropolitan Angkor during the ancient period and is rich in remains of both prehistoric and historic civilization. The region also contains important natural areas which are to be protected and others to be protected and others to be developed in a sustainable manner.
The region is to managed as a multiple-use area with an emphasis on economic and social development of cultural tourism. Development activities which could potentially damage the archaeological, the natural, or the social heritage harbored in the province are regulated by comprehensive coordination policies. Archaeological and environmental impact assessments are to be carried out in advance of any project proposed in the region. The intention is not to hold back development but to ensure that it be appropriately located and directed, at all times taking into consideration the requirements of heritage conservation.

Zoning map (144KB)
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