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| ANCIENT LOOT |
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Looting of ancient Khmer sites not only robs a country of its heritage, it also steals from future generations. While the situation in Cambodia improves, it is by no means resolved; pillaging of temples still occurs throughout the world. The bottom line: never buy ancient artefacts, especially sculptures, which are too often hacked from walls, thus destroying historical provenance.
We were appalled that at Hotomo in southern Laos, thieves stole several 7th century carved lintels from its bucolic forest domain. That was April of this year! -- barely weeks prior to our own visit. Unesco officials will now relocate all carvings from Hotomo's grounds, warehousing them for safekeeping. What's left to view is just the massive walls of this 9th century relic. And locals will suffer from dwindling tourism to the site.
Meanwhile in May, Thai thieves drilled into the garudas (giant birds) of ancient Phimai, presumably for its "scared" grindings to place in amulets. And in Ayuthia, temple dogs and cats were poisoned in a brazen theft of a 400 year old Buddha head.
We consequently applaud the work of www.heritagewatch.org This group has a Cambodian national radio and television campaign targeting both looters and buyers of antiquities. Their next goal: getting Singapore and Thailand to affirm the 1970 Unesco Convention prohibiting this illicit trade, especially as Bangkok and Singapore both are hub conduits.
Sign the petition at: www.heritagewatch.org/petition.php
Accordingly to Heritage Watch, at least 90% of the antiquities market is illegally acquired, and annually $6 billion worth of the world's cultural heritage stolen and traded. An estimated $20 million worth of Cambodia's heritage has been sold since 1988, with little or no benefit to its poor citizens |
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| SUSTAINABLE TOURISM & RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL |
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When in Cambodia, get a free copy of Touchstone magazine, a bi-monthly insider's guide to heritage, arts and culture. In both Laos and Cambodia, also check if your hotel offers Stay Another Day magazines. The concept is simple: asking tourists to literally "stay another day" by traveling further afield -- and to spread their tourism dollars closer to the actual source. www.stay-another-day.org
Globetrotting Gourmet specializes in low-impact small group and individual travel, and we strive to give our clients the most authentic experience possible. In return, we also designate a portion of our proceeds from each and every tour to a local worthy cause or training program. |
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To quote a recent article in CNN Traveller magazine: "Little of the wealth generated by Angkor Wat trickles down to local communities. Despite the tourism boom, the lavish hotels and the fine restaurants, Siem Reap remains one of the poorest provinces in Cambodia, with many people living on less than $1 a day."
Globetrotting Gourmet® is committed to sustainable tourism and responsible travel. We recognize not only the environmental and cultural costs that tourism exerts, but conversely how to contribute positively. We ensure your dollars are directly spread throughout communities: to individual operators and small businesses alike, and not just to large, foreign owned consortiums. |
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