We hope you are enjoying your summer, wherever you are! This month, we are proud to announce a new grant from the US. Department of State that will allow us to continue our work at Phnom Bakheng and the launch of our campaign to raise funds to restore a garuda. We are also very excited to be celebrating the 20th year of the World Monuments Watch this fall. Enjoy our August newsletter!

U.S. Government Awards WMF $450,000 for Conservation of

Phnom Bakheng Temple

World Monuments Fund is grateful to the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh for supporting our continuing conservation work at Phnom Bakheng through the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation. The project is a highly significant conservation initiative within Angkor Archaeological Park and assures continuing appreciation of a marvel of Khmer artistic and engineering achievement. Of equal importance is the opportunity the conservation program provides for contributing to the well-being and advancement of more than 100 Cambodians who have been engaged in the project for the last decade. Most of the site workers live in villages within Angkor and thus our work at the site provides direct benefit to the communities surrounding the iconic historic site. Read more

20 Years of the World Monuments Watch

This fall, we mark 20 years of the World Monuments Watch, our call to action for cultural heritage around the globe that is at risk from the forces of nature and the impact of social, political, and economic change. The sites on our 2016 World Monuments Watch will be announced at our Empire State Building headquarters on October 15! Since the program's inception, more than 740 sites in 133 countries and territories have been included, and more than 40% of Watch sites have received WMF project support since 1996, totaling more than $90 million. We remain deeply grateful to American Express, founding sponsor of the World Monuments Watch, for its ongoing support of World Monuments Fund and the Watch program. Learn more about the Watch

Help WMF Restore an Ancient Sculpture in Angkor

The seventy-two massive carved stone garudas--bird-like divine beings--that surround the temple of Preah Khan in Cambodia's Angkor Archaeological Park serve as the temple's symbolic protectors. But time and nature have taken a toll since they were carved more than 800 years ago, and the garudas are now in need of restoration. This summer the Moai Circle, WMF's young patrons group, launched a campaign to restore Garuda #72, kicking things off in July at NYC's Num Pang Sandwich Shop with Tiger Beer. In August Moai Circle members and friends pedaled toward the goal of $25,000 at a SoulCycle benefit class. With your gift or social media post you can join the campaign today and help Garuda #72 protect the temple once again. Get involved, donate, and share with friends! #GiveGaruda

Madhya Pradesh Adventures

WMF has partnered with the government of Madhya Pradesh's Department of Culture to develop a sustainable management program for continued conservation and maintenance of the state's heritage sites. Many of our project consultants have sent us fascinating blog posts about their discoveries, from the mysteries of Hinglajgarh to the impact on the local community in Ramnagar. Check out the WMF blog to learn more about our adventures in India and other faraway places!

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