The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has organised a team of archaeologists to begin a three-year survey on the birthplace of Lord Buddha in Lumbini, Nepal. The aim of the survey is to identify the presence or absence of archaeological deposits invisible below the surface so that appropriate placing of pilgrim facilities can be made without damaging valuable resources.

The project is being funded by the Japanese government and is led by Robin Coningham, professor of Archaeology at the University of Durham and a UNESCO archaeological expert. The team of archaeologists consists of experts from Nepal’s Department of Archaeology and the Lumbini Development Trust. The survey is part of the project called ‘Strengthening the Conservation and Management of Lumbini, the Birthplace of Lord Buddha’ which was launched in 2010.