Rediscovering the Past,
preparing for the Future
To better understand the origin of the Khmer Empire and to improve the life of local people, the Archaeology and Development Foundation (ADF) has launched a unique program dedicated to Phnom Kulen, near the World Heritage Site of Angkor in Cambodia.
Phnom Kulen
Phnom Kulen, located in northwestern Cambodia near Angkor, is a mountainous plateau rich in archaeological sites, ancient temples, and environmental challenges. Today, it is a popular destination for local residents.
About us
The Archaeology and Development Foundation (ADF), a British-registered nonprofit, has implemented the Phnom Kulen Program since 2008 and, since 2016, has also been registered as an international NGO in Cambodia.
Media
To manage growing media interest in Phnom Kulen National Park, ADF has introduced a Media Policy and Request Form to streamline collaboration and ensure fair compensation.
Our work
The Phnom Kulen Programme (PKP)
is an innovative program being implemented by the ADF on Phnom Kulen since 2008, marrying archaeology with sustainable development. It includes a wide range of activities, from archaeological research to environmental protection and socio-economic development.
> Archaeology
> Development
> Environment
> Other activities
> Summary reports
> Publications
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Our Archaeological Work
This initiative focuses on archaeological research, training Cambodian experts, conserving sites, and clearing unexploded ordnance. Thanks to ADF’s efforts, the APSARA National Authority expanded its reach to Phnom Kulen’s remote areas.
Despite being historically significant, Phnom Kulen has remained largely unexplored due to difficult access, war and neglect, with numerous ancient remnants like sculpted riverbeds, rock shelters, waterworks, and temples. Limited research exists, and most sites lack field studies or a detailed understanding of their roles in the Khmer Empire.
LiDAR campaigns in 2012 and 2015 revealed archaeological sites from the 9th-century city, greatly enhancing knowledge about this region’s history.
Mine Clearance and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)
The ADF collaborates with CMAC to clear landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) in archaeological sites prior to excavations or maintenance. Nearby villages also benefit from the presence of these teams.
Between 2008 and 2022, over 39 hectares across 39 sites were demined at ADF and APSARA National Authority’s request. This allows research and conservation work to proceed safely.
Archaeological mapping
Since the early 2000’s, ADF has been developing an archaeological map of Phnom Kulen to document ancient sites like temples, rock shelters, and water management structures. This map is updated using historical documents, GPS records, satellite images, and aerial photography.
ADF supported the 2012 LiDAR campaign, which uses airborne lasers to detect structures beneath forest cover, within the KALC consortium. The map helps understand the area’s interconnected history and aids authorities in managing the region. In 2015, ADF participated in a second LiDAR survey over Phnom Kulen, led by Damian Evans under the EFEO and the Cambodian Ministry of Fine-Arts and Culture framework (CALI project), and funded by the European Research Council.
With over two decades of work, ADF remains the leading institution for Phnom Kulen archaeological research.
EXCAVATION and TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEYS
Since 2008, ADF has conducted numerous excavations on Phnom Kulen sites, during the dry season. Priority is given to sites helping to understand their historical importance, function and period of occupation, and threatened sites to enable conservation by APSARA.
Supervised by local and international archaeologists, these campaigns involve many workers. In 16 years, over 20 sites have been excavated. Some findings have been published, with more articles forthcoming.
Topographic surveys are conducted at excavation sites. Experts create precise plans showing trenches, ancient structures, or carvings. These plans, enhancing the understanding of these sites, are shared with APSARA National Authority to enhance site management. Over a decade, more than 20 sites have been surveyed.
Post-Excavation Studies
Excavated artefacts, mainly ceramic, sandstone, or metal, are later studied. They are inventoried, detailed, hand-drawn, digitalised, and archived. Ceramic shard descriptions are stored in a shared database to create a comprehensive catalogue of types and chronologies.
Charcoal samples are sent worldwide for radiocarbon dating. Excavation reports summarize findings, list artefacts, and present archaeological conclusions, forming the basis for scientific publications and conference presentations.
Training Cambodian Experts
Over 60 Cambodian students from the Royal University of Fine Arts have gained field experience alongside international experts during archaeological campaigns. This hands-on training complements their academic studies, helping them build careers in archaeology.
During excavations, students learn techniques like note-taking, hand-drawing, and photography, as well as team management. Post-excavation studies focus on inventories, digitalisation, ceramic identification, and database entry. Many trainees have since joined APSARA National Authority and other institutions.
Maintenance, Conservation, Restoration
Most temples on Phnom Kulen date back to the late 8th–9th century and are made of fragile bricks. ADF informs APSARA National Authority about threats like deforestation, illegal constructions, structural risks, and invasive vegetation. APSARA builds support structures and manages vegetation to protect these sites, guided by ADF’s collaboration.
The Stone Conservation Unit of APSARA restores sandstone statues, bas-reliefs, and other elements, while the Metal Conservation Laboratory from the National Museum of Cambodia repairs metal artefacts. ADF supports both teams.
Through ADF’s program, APSARA hired several archaeologists and over fifty villagers to maintain and secure the sites, and ensure respect for their protected areas.
Our Development work
With 4,900 people across ten villages in Khnong Phnom Commune (Svay Leu District), the Kulen plateau faces environmental, demographic, and socio-economic challenges. Most villagers relied on subsistence farming, using harmful slash-and-burn technique shifting 20 years ago towards permanent cashew plantations, further increasing deforestation.
Our Development Programme component seeks to empower civil society, to reduce poverty and to encourage sustainable income-generating activities to replace destructive practices by focusing on:
- diversify the villagers’ economic activities through sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices (alternative crops and livestock), responsible tourism and handicrafts support;
- improve education and health through hygiene, sanitation and infrastructures in remote schools.
- protect the parc’s biodiversity by zoning, demarcation, patrolling, reforestation and environmental awareness activities (see our environmental work).
All projects are implemented in coordination with local and national authorities.
Ongoing Activities
Agro-Ecology and animal Raising
In partnership with AGRISUD International (since 2019), ADF promotes agro-ecology, supporting more than 250 families with high-value native Phnom Kulen products: black ginger, pepper, long pepper and fruits trees. Farmer groups, transformers and market access strengthen project sustainability. ADF also supports more than 30 pig and chicken raisers receiving training and materials, enabling them to manage micro-businesses independently. These efforts were backed by private sector partner like Terre Cambodge, other travel agencies, and more recently the Southeast Asia Foundation.
COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM CENTRES IN POPEL AND ANLONG THOM VILLAGES
Before 2017, tourism in Phnom Kulen was limited to Preah Ang Thom, pushing local farmers out due to a lack of industry skills. Road construction began in 2017, connecting villages and Svay Leu district to foster development.
ADF and Terre Cambodge, with the Ministry of Environment, established two Commune-Based Tourism Centres (CBTCs) in Anlong Thom and Popel villages, funded by travel agencies, HUMY and UNDP. These centres provide income for local communities by offering eco-friendly tourism experiences, guided treks with local food. Each CBTC supports sustainable practices and integrates with Community Protected Areas, reaching more than 30 families.
Handicrafts support : “Kulen Crafts”
Phnom Kulen plateau elderly villagers produce handcrafted items like mats, baskets, knifes, brooms and roofing material. These traditions risk disappearing without intergenerational transmission and market support. Within its alternative livelihood initiatives, ADF encourages handicraft production as a sustainable income source and organizes training sessions for elders to share their skills with younger generations. This project is supported by HUMY, TDS and Terre Cambodge visitors. These unique handmade products are sold under the “Kulen Crafts” brand at various location in Siem Reap and at the Anlong Thom community-based tourism centre in Phnom Kulen. More than 90 artisans are involved.
Our archaeological component brings part time work for about 60 villagers during archaeological campaigns, and 50 others are full-time employed by APSARA National Authority to maintain and protect historical sites.
Hygiene and Sanitation
From 2011 to 2017, ADF’s activities promoted healthy development among children in seven villages, focusing on nutrition and hygiene. More than 260 children under five were monitored and provided with nutritional supplements when needed, following standards set by WHO and Cambodia’s Ministry of Health. Initially funded by AusAID the program later relied on private donors to target four villages. In 2017, ADF partnered with the Karolinska Institute to evaluate and improve the program.
Since 2018 and with the continuous support from Almayuda Foundation, the focus shifted to hygiene and sanitation, under the WISH project, now benefiting 7 primary schools (more than 1,000 students and 40 teachers) and 6 villages (4,400 persons). Previous smaller supports were provided by TDS and Terre Cambodge. Special care is also given to unprivileged families, with referrals to Siem Reap hospitals as necessary.
Promotion of education
ADF emphasizes education as the key to breaking poverty on Kulen Mountain. ADF supports primary schools by financing missing infrastructure like classrooms, toilets, and water systems, as well as providing furniture, supplies, and playground equipment. Tree nurseries serve as educational tools and aid reforestation efforts under the Ministry of Environment.
Since 2019, with the South East Asia Foundation’s support, additional infrastructure improvements have been made in most of the Phnom Kulen plateau’s school, in collaboration with school principals and teachers. Since 2024, this support also made possible the setting up of 7 libraries, in collaboration with Sipar, and English classes in 5 primary schools, in collaboration with TDSO. Previous smaller supports were provided by Terre Cambodge.
Previous Activities
INFRASTRUCTURES
Very poor road conditions on Phnom Kulen, especially during the rainy season, use to hinder transportation and access to health facilities, schools, and fields. Rivers overflow, roads become muddy, and erosion adds to the challenge for local communities. To address this, ADF has constructed and repaired bridges, such as those at O’Ta Chork and Tamnup Srae Thbong, ensuring year-round accessibility. Bridges were built using local labour, providing income opportunities for villagers. ADF now encourages the Commune Council to support and expand these initiatives.
Our environmental work
ADF is conducting initiatives to safeguard and restore Phnom Kulen’s forest ecosystem. These include buffer zone creation around archaeological sites, protected area zoning and demarcation, mapping for government agencies, collaborations against illegal logging, patrols, GIS/GPS training, tree nurseries management and reforestation activities, and environmental awareness campaigns. ADF is also involved into biodiversity surveys with partner organizations.
Ongoing Activities
Archaeological Protected Areas (APA)
Agricultural practices by deforestation threaten Phnom Kulen’s archaeological sites. To counter this, ADF, under APSARA’s authority, established protected areas, allowing forests to regenerate and safeguarding sites from erosion and weather damage.
With the support of the US Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation and by November 2014, five protected zones (Rong Chen, Srah Damreï, Neak Ta, Thma Dap, Khlah Khmum), covering 800 hectares and multiple archaeological sites, were delimited with community involvement and checked by APSARA team. Official recognition came in 2015 through government and APSARA collaboration.
In 2019–2020, ADF funded by a UNDP project, demarcated an additional 800-hectare protected area, north of Khlah Khmum village.
Community Protected Areas (CPA)
Phnom Kulen National Park has five Community Protected Areas (CPAs), preserving the last forests in the southern plateau amidst cashew cultivation. These areas support locals by allowing the collection of non-timber forest products.
From 2018, ADF has worked on expanding and better protecting Popel Prey Thom CPA, growing it from 188 to 800 hectares with funding from a private donor and later UNDP. Since 2022, Humy’s support funds weekly mixed patrols with Popel and Anlong Thom CPAs members, park rangers and local authority representative, to combat illegal activities such as like logging, poaching, and forest encroachment.
Fight against illegal logging and deforestation
Illegal logging poses a significant threat to Phnom Kulen’s forests, driven by demand for construction, furniture, and Siem Reap’s tourism industry. Deforestation is also fuelled by villagers clearing land for rice and cashew cultivation.
ADF reports illegal logging cases to the Ministry of Environment. Funded by Terre Cambodge then by HUMY, ADF supports weekly patrols by park rangers and regularly provides GPS, equipment and training since 2018. This enables improved patrols and management of protected areas.
credit : V.Romera/Humy
Reforestation activities
Since 2015, ADF has been involved in reforestation activities within Phnom Kulen National Park, collaborating with the Ministry of Environment, villagers, and park authorities. Saplings are provided by tree nurseries in four primary schools, which also serve to educate children about environmental awareness. Teachers and students actively manage these nurseries, which generates incomes.
From 2018 to 2024, support from Eau Kulen/Kulara Company enabled the production of over 140,000 trees, contributing to the reforestation of 240 hectares. In 2022, Humy funded a new nursery at Popel Primary School, enhancing this initiative. ADF also assists park rangers in maintaining and monitoring the reforested areas.
BIODIVERSITY SURVEY IN PHNOM KULEN NATIONAL PARK
The fauna and flora of Phnom Kulen was until recently largely unexplored, with no comprehensive list of species yet compiled. ADF facilitated biodiversity surveys to reveal its ecosystem’s richness, with potential discoveries of new species.
In 2012-2013, biologists conducted surveys focusing on plants, bats, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. In 2022-2023, an updated of this study was funded by HUMY, with support from ADF.
credit : V.Romera/Humy
Previous project
PAYMENT FOR ECO-SYSTEM SERVICES
In 2016-2018, ADF was associated to UNDP for the preliminary studies for a Payment for Eco-System Services (PES) in Phnom Kulen National Park, under the Ministry of Environment and UNDP Cambodia leadership.
Environmental awareness campaign
Solid waste management is a significant challenge in Phnom Kulen National Park, especially in popular tourist spots like Preah Ang Thom, the 1000 Linga, and the waterfall. To address this, ADF and Terre Cambodge collaborated with the Ministry of Environment on an awareness campaign, installing nine strategic signboards in highly visited areas.
SUSTAINABLE HONEY HARVESTING TRAINING
The giant honeybee (Apis dorsata) is native to Cambodia and builds free-hanging combs on large tree branches in forests like Angkor and Phnom Kulen. Villagers traditionally destroy colonies when harvesting honey, wax, and larvae.
From 2013 to 2014, ADF trained villagers on sustainable harvesting methods that preserve larvae and queens, ensuring the resource remains available for future generations. This initiative was made possible through a generous donor’s support.
Other activities implemented by ADF
In addition to its archaeological, development and environmental work,
ADF is conducting other activities related to Phnom Kulen.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) in villages
For decades, Phnom Kulen was a Khmer Rouge stronghold, leaving it heavily contaminated with landmines and unexploded ordnance (ERW). Villagers can report findings to the ADF, which collaborates with CMAC, CHSD, or local authorities, to ensure safe removal and destruction of these explosives.
Conferences and lectures
The ADF regularly participates in international conferences and public lectures about its work on Phnom Kulen. It shares archaeological findings and development progresses during ICC-Angkor‘s sessions twice a year. Lectures have been held at venues such as EurASEAA, CKS, EFEO, IPPA, Royal University of Fine Arts, EFEO-Sorbonne Seminaire, Siam Society, Dumbarton Oaks (US) or French government online courses.
Emergency relief and other contingencies
Unforeseen tragedies on Phnom Kulen often impact villagers, prompting ADF’s emergency relief fund to assist the poorest on a case-by-case basis. Over 16 years, ADF has funded transport for landmine survivors to Siem Reap to change their prosthesis, paid surgical expenses for acid victim, and facilitated aid for severe injuries. Partnerships, such as with Anlong Thom public Health Centre, support emergency health cases, while donations of clothes and blankets from organizations and private donors are distributed to the neediest families.
Conflict resolution
The ADF, with its experienced community liaison team, acts as a mediator to resolve conflicts involving villagers and local authorities. It facilitates peaceful solutions on issues such as natural resource use, water access, legal advice, and connections to government services.
Summary Reports
Since 2013, ADF is presenting here a summary report of its activities.
Click on the link to have access.