Projects sponsored by Global Heritage Fund Projects sponsored by Global Heritage Fund (October 20, 2004)

The Global Heritage Fund of Palo Alto is sponsoring the following nine archeological "epicenters." With partners from both the international community and the local country, it funds specific conservation projects as well as restoration planning, training and community development.

Americas

** Mirador Basin, Guatemala. A 600,000-acre archeological and wildlife park with major pre-Maya (1200 BC-300 AD) archaeological sites, including the world's largest pyramid. Several structures have been restored.
** Chavin de Huantar, Peru. Pre-Inca temple (1500 BC-200 AD), Peru's most important archaeological UNESCO World Heritage site. The main Circular Plaza has been restored, drainage canals repaired, and artifacts collected for the new Chavin Museum.

Asia and Pacific:

** My Son Sanctuary, Vietnam. Vietnam's only major archaeological UNESCO World Heritage site from the Champa Kingdom (1200 BC-800 AD).
** Lijiang Ancient Town, Yunnan, China. Asia's last ancient, living town, Naxi (900 AD-present), threatened by development and lack of planning. Completed 68 restorations of 200 buildings.
** Foguang Temple, Shanxi, China. China's oldest wooden temple and last vestige to Tang Dynasty architecture, considered "fountainhead" of Chinese classical architecture (500 AD-1000).
** Hampi, Karnataka, India. Famous Shiva temple and UNESCO World Heritage site, Vijanagara Kingdom (1200 AD-1500).
** Asif Khan, Jahangir, Pakistan. Pakistan's second largest dome and tomb of Moghul Empire's first prime minister, father of the Lady of the Taj. (1300 AD-1600).

Europe, Middle East and Africa

** Izborsk Fortress, Russia. Russia's oldest fortress, which protected the western frontier from 500-1700 AD. Main gate and western towers restored.
** Kars Ottoman Heritage, Turkey. Historic Ottoman town of Kars, gateway of Anatolia to the Caucasus (200 AD-1800).

INFORMATION

The Global Heritage Fund is looking for donors, partners, and people interested in working or contributing expertise to individual projects. It will also publish "Saving Global Heritage," a large book with lots of photographs, on December 1. For information or to contribute, call 325-7520; fax: 325-7511; e-mail: info@globalheritagefund.org; or visit www.globalheritagefund.org. Offices are located at 625 Emerson St., Suite 200, Palo Alto, CA 94301.

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