UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation

About UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation

• UNESCO seeks to encourage private sector involvement and public-private collaboration in conserving the region’s cultural heritage for the benefit of current and future generations.
• Since 2000, UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation have been recognizing the achievement of the private sector and public-private initiatives in successfully conserving or restoring structures, places and properties of heritage value in the region.
• Among the recognised sites, five are from China, six from India, and one from Nepal.
• Award winning sites from India are as follows
  • The Rambagh Gate in Amritsar received the “Award of Excellence,” the highest recognition among all categories.
  • Pipal Haveli, a heritage rural homestay from Punjab was honoured for its sustainable development. 
  • The Karnikara Mandapam at Kunnamangalam Bhagawati Temple in Kerala earned the Award of Distinction.
  • Epiphany in Haryana, David Sassoon Library and Reading Room in Mumbai and Bikaner House in New Delhi received the Award of Merit.

Rambagh Gate & Ramparts

• The Rambagh Gate is a three-storied structure.
• The restoration involved using traditional building techniques and locally sourced materials like the characteristic Nanakshahi bricks set in lime mortar.

Pipal Haveli, Gurdaspur

• It emphasises ecological and traditional building methods, utilising locally sourced materials and vernacular architectural language.
• It supports women’s empowerment through initiatives like the BaRi Collective, offering programmes that strengthen women’s livelihoods via environmentally
  conscious craft practices.

Q1) What is UNESCO?

UNESCO stands for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It is specialized agency of the United Nations(UN).The constitution, which entered into force in 1946, called for the promotion of international collaboration in education, science, and culture. The agency’s permanent headquarters are in Paris, France.

Source: Three heritage projects in Punjab and Haryana bag UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards 2023