UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards For Cultural Heritage Conservation 2023:
Three heritage projects from Punjab and Haryana have secured prestigious spots among the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation 2023.
- 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.
- Rambagh Gate & Ramparts is a three-storied structure.
- The restoration involved using traditional building techniques and locally sourced materials like the characteristic Nanak Shahi bricks set in lime mortar.
- Pipal Haveli, Gurdaspur 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.