BHUTAN-SWISS ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT
PHASE II: 2011-2013 BH 72
Phase I: January 2011 to December 2013
Budget:
CHF 180’000 (Share Foundation, SLSA,
HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation)
Partner: Division for Conservation of Heritage Sites (MoHA)
Contact: Nagtsho Dorji
Location: National
The overall goal of the project is “To contribute to the preservation of Bhutan’s cultural heritage and income generation from tourism through strengthening and institutionalization of archaeology.”
The project will contribute towards this through the following outcomes:
Presentation of the Drapham Dzong ruins as a model for display and conservation of archaeological heritage in Bhutan
Institutionalization of archaeology in Bhutan
Professional management of diverse and fragile archaeological sites in Bhutan.
Achievements
Phase I of the project received high attention and generated curiosity and interest in archeological work. Transfer of knowledge and skills has taken place through on-the-job training at the excavation site as well as educational exchanges.
An Educational Workshop on Archaeology with a wide range of stakeholders was conducted in spring 2011 (phase II) to raise awareness, deliberate on priorities, approaches and future activities.
Outlook
Drapham Dzong: Complete documentation, analysis and interpretation of excavations, preserve remains, develop area as tourism site and present site as a model of archeological conservation in Bhutan
Institutionalization of archaeology: Workshops and trainings covering legal, management and educational aspects of archaeology; contribute towards developing legal frame work and setting up of archeological unit
Management of archaeological sites: Mapping and inventorying, initiating future archaeological projects; present sites as part of Bhutan’s heritage, developing contacts with the tourism sector