Buffering for conservation at Angkor: questioning the spatial regulation of a World Heritage property

A standardized core-and-buffer-zones approach to protecting World Heritage Sites may not always be the most effective solution, according to research on Angkor, Cambodia. While buffer zones remain a useful tool in land use planning for conservation, the study argues that their design and application require more rigorous reflection and research tailored to diverse site circumstances. The paper examines the evolution, use, and effectiveness of buffer zones at Angkor, highlighting the need for adaptive, context-specific strategies rather than one-size-fits-all regulations.

Gillespie, J. (2012). Buffering for conservation at Angkor: questioning the spatial regulation of a World Heritage property. International Journal of Heritage Studies, 18(2), 194–208. https://doi.org/10.1080/13527258.2011.603737