Paper short abstract:

The applications of archaeological resource management values for preserving important cultural heritage sites in Lao PDR may provide dynamic methods on how to assess, document, consult over, and sustainably preserve archaeological sites for Lao PDR, local communities and the world.

Paper long abstract:

Unlike many first world countries that contain a long history of producing legislation for the preservation of archaeological sites, Lao PDR legislation for the preservation of cultural resources is fairly recent. Recent archaeological research in mainland Southeast Asia discovered important changes for human history in the region and researchers are now looking to Lao PDR for evidence of the emergence of agriculture and complex civilizations. With increasing pressure for economic development, including logging, hydroelectricity, mining, and tourism, stronger legislation and cultural values are needed to assess and protect cultural resources during salvage operations in Lao PDR. The applications of archaeological resource management values for preserving important cultural heritage sites in Lao PDR may provide dynamic methods on how to assess, document, consult over, and sustainably preserve archaeological sites for Lao PDR, local communities and the world. This paper explores cultural resource management values for application and practice in Lao PDR.