Terrace of Honor, Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia, 1999
Since its beginning in 1150 CE, water has been central to the development of Angkor. Water held deep religious and cultural significance in Khmer society, reinforcing the power of the king. The Khmers unique water system allowed it to thrive for centuries. However, extreme flooding and prolonged droughts overwhelmed Angkors intricate water system. Like today, the Khmers were unprepared for climate change. As their infrastructure deteriorated, they struggled to repair it, hastening the collapse of their civilization. Over the past two decades, Cambodia has experienced a significant increase in tourism. Angkor Wat alone attracts over four million visitors annually. This influx of tourists, along with the expansion of hotels and restaurants, has placed immense pressure on the regions water supply, leading to severe shortages. Since the structural integrity of the Khmer temples depends on a steady groundwater supply, concerns have arisen about the preservation of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
To address these challenges, a large-scale restoration project has been undertaken to revive Angkors medieval hydraulic system. This ancient water system has helped mitigate shortages and reduce the risk of severe flooding in recent years. Ironically, the same centuries-old infrastructure that once sustained the Angkor civilization is now playing a vital role in preserving Cambodias cultural heritage.