The Hanoi authorities have approved a $1.2 million project to preserve the Thang Long royal citadel in Hanoi, funded by the UNESCO.

This project will be carried out by the Centre for Conservation of Co Loa Relic and Hanoi Ancient Citadel.

From January 2010 to January 2013, the project will research and evaluate the values of this site and suggest measures to preserve the site.

Under this project, Vietnamese experts will be trained in terms of urban archaeology, relic preservation, managing and developing heritage.

In history, the Thang Long royal citadel was the country’s political centre. Many valuable antiques have been excavated at the site. This is also the home to various kinds of arts, architectures, urban planning and major civilizations in Asia.

Vietnam has proposed the UNESCO to recognize this site as the world cultural heritage.

Vietnamnet