6th Session of the SAARC Talk Series 2023

The Sixth SAARC Talk Series (Virtual Mode) was held on 24^th October 2023, at 15:00 (Sri Lanka Standard Time) at the SAARC Cultural Centre (SCC), Sri Lanka. Mr.Dorji, Project Manager, Rigsum Goenpa Restoration Project Under Trashiyangtse District, Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development, Ministry of Home Affairs, Bhutan spoke on the topic “Sustainable Preservation of Architectural Heritage in Bhutan: Case Study of Wangdue Phodrang Dzong Reconstruction Project”. Citing the example of Phodrang Dzong, a historic Bhutanese fortress that was ravaged by a devastating fire in 2012, Mr. Dorji explained how the vision of the project extended beyond mere restoration, emphasizing the preservation of historical, cultural, and environmental sustainability. Guided by a commitment to sustainability, the reconstruction incorporated various innovative practices. In his lecture, Mr. Dorji showed how the involvement of local craftsmen preserved traditional skills and provided essential employment opportunities to the locals. Community engagement demonstrated the community’s deep commitment to heritage preservation.