The government of Japan is providing funds for the operation of the conservation and management of Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha.

According to the press released issued by UNESCO on Wednesday, the project that was designed as per the 1978 Kenzo Tange Master Plan for Lumbini, will be implemented jointly by the Department of Archaeology and the Lumbini Development Trust, through a grant of US $800,000, within the framework of the Japanese Funds-in-Trust for  Preservation of the World’s Cultural Heritage.

The project has also aimed to foster the conservation of the Ashoka pillar, the Marker stone and the Nativity sculpture; provide a survey of the archaeological vestiges within and around the property; review the present state of the sacred garden; and establish an integrated management plan for the entire property, statement stated.

Lumbini is recognised as one of the world’s-renowned Buddhist pilgrimage destination under UNESCO world heritage site since 1997.

The Government of Japan believes that the project will contribute to further enhancement of technical cooperation in the preservation of cultural heritage and friendly relations with Nepal, the press release stated.

According to UNESCO, it also believes that project will enable to reinforce effort in the protection, enhancement and sustainable development of Lumbini.

This project will also help to attract international pilgrims and support tourism in Nepal and national income, it added.

The project was launched on July 16, 2010 in the capital with the signing of the plan of operation by the Government of Nepal and UNESCO. nepalnews.com