A Washington Post article on the Cambodian ruins of an ancient temple (free registration may be required) describes a tension quite common to the management and stewardship of cultural treasures: the tension between sharing the treasure widely, and protecting it from harm. In this case, the 9th-century temple of Phnom Bakheng is drawing increasing numbers of tourists to the region, bringing money with them, but also leaving destruction in their wake.
While the easy argument places exploitation on one side of the challenge, and noble preservation on the other, it’s a false and dangerous dichotomy to construct. What’s the use in preserving something if nobody but scholars and preservationists get to see it? And what’s the use in sharing something beautiful if the act of sharing destroys the thing, itself? (Hey, I think there’s an Eagles song about this very thing…)
The best response available ensures that a portion of generated revenues are retained to secure, sustain, and restore the place or the object, and recruits third-party individuals or organizations to subsidize the experience of those who can’t afford its true full cost (sounds like the nonprofit model to me). Says John H. Stubbs of the World Monuments Fund:
“We understand the clear need to have tourists visit the temples, and of course we want them to see this great achievement by mankind. But we also need to understand that the real focus should be keeping them safe.”
That said, the deeper challenge and tension comes when the cultural heritage in question is not just a place or a thing, but a people, who often exploit or distort their own cultural traditions to attract the tourism trade. That’s where political and business leaders must bring their true creativity, commitment, and passion to bear.
In the case of Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples the entrance fee is ridiculously low: 20 us dollars. If an entrance fee of 70-100 dollars would be charged, more money would be available for protection and restoration. Visitors staying in nearby hotels spend over 200 us dollars for a hotel room, 50 dollars for spa treatment and 60 dollars for their penne pasta lunch, or fly in for the day from Bangkok for 400 dollars. yet, these rare, ancient monuments can be climbed, touched and experienced for only 20 dollars. (and don’t talk to me about the ‘poor’ backpackers with their i-pods and other expensive gadgets). Something is seriously wrong here.