About the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation:
- 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.
- Award winning sites from India are as follows
- The Rambagh Gate in Amritsar received the “Award of Excellence,” the highest recognition among all categories.
- Pipal Haveli, a heritage rural homestay from Punjab was honoured for its sustainable development.
- The Karnikara Mandapam at Kunnamangalam Bhagawati Temple in Kerala earned the Award of Distinction.
- Epiphany in Haryana, David Sassoon Library and Reading Room in Mumbai and Bikaner House in New Delhi received the Award of Merit.
Rambagh Gate & Ramparts
- The Rambagh Gate 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
- It 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.
