The UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation were established to recognise the best efforts of private-sector individuals and organisations in preserving buildings and structures of heritage value in the Asia-Pacific region. The award is meant for the best conserved/restored building, structure or complex over fifty years old. In its inaugural year (2000), the Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards drew twenty-six entries from twelve different countries and administrative regions in UNESCO's Asia-Pacific Region, which consists of forty-six nations.

The aim of the annual award is to promote conservation of the region's built heritage, which is often threatened by unchecked development, neglect, or inappropriate reuse. Recognising successful preservation efforts helps spur additional projects within the same community, advocating the culture of preservation and conservation through the use of appropriate conservation techniques and approaches. 

This year, 15 nations submitted their projects for the consideration of awards. The four categories of awards were:

1. Award of Excellence

2. Award of Distinction

3. Award of Merit

4. Honourable Mention

Three conservation projects from south Asia were awarded – two in India and one in Pakistan. . Ahhichatragarh Fort of Nagaur, Rajasthan (India) won the Award of Excellence;  Pakistan shared its Award of Distinction with Australia; and the Jaisalmer Streetscape Revitalisatisation Project, Rajasthan, India won an Honourable mention along with three others.

Award of Excellence

Conservation of large dilapidated complex housing palaces, pleasure pavilions, gardens, courtyards, service buildings, temples, mosque and elaborate water system undertaken by the Getty Foundation and the Meherangarh Museum Trust.

The ambitious large-scale restoration of the abandoned 12th-century Ahhichatragarh fort and palace complex in Rajasthan has checked the advanced dilapidation of the site through a comprehensive, multi-faceted and standard-setting conservation programme. Neglect over the years had led to wide-spread structural instability of the buildings and grounds. The restoration was guided by a minimalist approach, resulting in varying levels of intervention which responded to the range of damage suffered. The rigorous conservation process combined the application of modern scientific techniques with the revival of traditional crafts and materials. The removal of unsympathetic additions and the introduction of new infrastructural services allow the complex to accommodate modern use while preserving the sense of place embodied in the exquisite architecture and landscaping. The historic evolution of the site has been captured by respecting the various periods of the complex in the conservation work. The on-going work has created a live research laboratory, providing valuable field education for conservation professionals and students. The physical preservation of the complex returns the largest open grounds in the region to the local public, as a venue for festivals, cultural performances, and religious events, thereby allowing for the continuity of the fort's rich history.

Award of Distinction 

Restoration of four 300-year old wooden mosques which enclose a public space "chataq" in the Ganish historic settlement.

The restoration of four 300-year old wooden mosques in Pakistan's Hunza Valley has successfully revitalized the village "chataq", the traditional public heart of the Ganish historic settlement. Initiated and undertaken by the villagers, with professional guidance, the project has rebuilt community spirit in a rural village which has undergone major socio-economic change and natural disasters over the years. The restrained conservation approach has stabilized the buildings which were in danger of collapse, while retaining the rich historic patina and showcasing the intricate detailing of the structures. Modern materials were selectively incorporated alongside the use of traditional materials and techniques. The preservation of the surrounding buildings and infrastructural improvements was sensitively executed, consequently strengthening the traditional town fabric while upgrading the quality of life of the residents. The project presents an outstanding example of a community-led initiative strategically facilitated by outside support.

Honourable Mention 

Restoration and revitalization of two landmark residential streets within the historic fort of Jaisalmer, through integrating modern infrastructure and upgrading the general environment through proper conservation measures.

The first phase of the streetscape revitalization project in the historic fort city of Jaisalmer represents an exemplary holistic approach to conserving the living public realm. Starting with the basic gesture of harmoniously integrating infrastructural amenities, such as drainage systems, into the traditional streetscape, the project seeks to address a complete range of conservation issues, including façade restoration and the provision of hygienic facilities. The integrated conservation effort will establish a mechanism for educating local property owners and upgrading the entire fort in terms of modern functioning, while maintaining Jaisalmer’s unique urban character and prevailing traditional ways of life. The project has the potential to create the momentum to drive a larger conservation project, serving as a best practice case study for other communities to learn from.

Courtesy: UNESCO

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