KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 22 The three-day International Conference on the Greater Lumbini Area concluded here with an action-oriented joint communiqué outlining measures for sustainable heritage conservation and development in the region. The conference, held from September 18 to 20, was organised by the Government of Nepal in collaboration with UNESCO, the Lumbini Development Trust and the World Bank. More than 150 participants, including local community representatives, monks, entrepreneurs, hospitality operators, experts, policymakers and development partners, attended the event. Participants conducted field visits to the Sacred Garden of Lumbini and Tilaurakot-Kapilavastu to assess heritage conservation efforts, challenges and the needs of pilgrims and local communities. They subsequently worked in multidisciplinary groups to identify priority measures and assign timelines and responsibilities to relevant agencies. The conference called for maintaining the sacred and peaceful character of Lumbini, strengthening community participation and adopting a development approach that integrates heritage conservation, environmental protection, livelihoods and local economic opportunities. It also recommended preparing master plans, land-use and conservation plans, hydrological studies, drainage and environmental mitigation measures before approving infrastructure projects. The communiqué further called for restoration and maintenance of the Maya Devi Temple, ancient monuments and archaeological remains in accordance with their historical, religious and spiritual significance, as well as educating visitors about Lumbini's rituals and heritage. The conference outcomes will inform the government's future programmes and planning for the Greater Lumbini Area, including implementation of the World Bank-financed Greater Lumbini Area Development Project.