Nepal and UNESCO today signed an agreement to implement the second phase of a key conservation project in Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
The representatives signed the agreement here to implement the "Strengthening conservation and management of Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, World Heritage property Phase II" which will be funded by Japan.
Government of Japan has pledged to provide USD 823,530 for the three year project aimed at preserving the world heritage site at Lumbini, the sacred garden of Lumbini and conducting archaeological research in the area, according to UNESCO Nepal Office.
The project will be implemented by the UNESCO Office in Nepal in close cooperation with the Department of Archaeology and the Lumbini Development Trust to support Nepal in its efforts to preserve Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
Lumbi has been listed under a UNESCO World Heritage property since 1997.
The project also includes preservation of other adjoining sites including Tilaurakot, the archaeological remains of ancient Shakya Kingdom and Ramagrama, the relic stupa of the Lord Buddha.
These two sites are closely associated with Lord Buddha's life and included in the Tentative List of World Heritage.
"I am confident that the project will contribute to preserve outstanding universal value of Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha and the two other sites, Tilaurakot and Ramagrama", said Bharat Mani Subedi, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.
"We applaud Nepal's efforts to preserve Lumbini as one of the world's centre of Buddhist pilgrimage and are proud to be able to contribute to protect this unique spiritual place for future generations.
The Government of Japan wishes that this project will contribute to further enhancement of technical cooperation in the preservation of cultural heritage and friendly relations with Nepal," said Masashi Ogawa, Ambassador of Japan to Nepal.
"The project will focus on conservation of the historical monuments of Lumbini and archaeological investigation of unknown historical monuments within the Sacred Garden of Lumbini," a UNESO statement said.
"It will also include the implementation and regularly review of the management processes of Lumbini World Heritage property and safeguarding the cultural assets of the Lumbini Development Area, in particular of Tilaurakot and Ramagrama," the statement added.
