Chongqing - From August 19 to 21, the First International Forum on Cave Temple Preservation in Dazu, Chongqing, turned the spotlight on the urgent imperative to shield the priceless legacy of cave temples in the face of climate change. Esteemed specialists and academics convened to discuss potential countermeasures against the detrimental effects of climate change on these ancient landmarks.

Recent research indicates that the dual forces of water and wind are the primary culprits behind the degradation of stone sculptures within cave temples. With the mounting challenges posed by climate change, including an uptick in severe weather occurrences, these artifacts are at even greater risk.

The mantle of preserving the rich tapestry of cave temple history falls on the shoulders of the global community. In light of this, iChongqing conversed with Abdul Samad, who heads the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Samad highlighted the pivotal role of the Belt and Road Initiative in championing the conservation of Pakistan's cultural assets. Simultaneously, he made a compelling case for harnessing specialized Chinese techniques in the realm of cave temple conservation.