Session: #237

Theme & Session Format

Theme:
1. Archaeologists and Archaeology Here and Now
Session format:
Regular session

Title & Content

Title:
Protecting the Past Is the Key to the Future: Rights of Archaeological Heritage Stakeholders and Social Justice
Content:
Intentional damage and destruction of archaeological sites, looting and illicit trade of antiquities is a crucial point of concern of different interested parties. The aftermath of these criminal activities affect local communities, visitors, scientists, businesses, public institutions, governments, amongst others, in addition to broader society (hereinafter – the stakeholders).
As well as scientific and other non-material losses suffered by these and other groups of cultural heritage stakeholders, there are interests of purely economic nature that are directly affected by archaeological damage. Thus, damaged sites may cause attendance slippage, loss of jobs, market loss for site-related goods (e.g., souvenirs) and services. As a consequence, a decreasing quality of life and touristic attractiveness of an area occurs alongside the need for substantial resources for restoration.
Due to a lack of experience, established practice and social awareness, different groups of stakeholders are afforded little to no attention in criminal proceedings and do not get structurally accounted for in subsequent restoration or development projects. Thus, for example, the principle that everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests linked to the works that result from one’s cultural activity (Fribourg Declaration of Cultural Rights, Art.5(b)) is becoming purely declarative.
We aim to discuss theoretical and practical issues concerning the application of this principle in the context of the protection and development of archaeological heritage sites, as well as to share ideas on different opportunities that respect the interests of all stakeholders to the highest extent possible.
Papers for this session may include but are not limited to:
- Impact of archaeological research on the economic and touristic development of an area;
- Heritage-based socio-economic development;
- Rights and obligations of heritage stakeholders;
- Offences against archaeological heritage sites and damage assessment;
- Role of NGOs and other organizations in the protection and development of archaeological sites.
Keywords:
Protection, Damage assessment, Socio-economic values, Socio-economic development, Social justice, Financial benefits
Session associated with MERC:
no
Session associated with CIfA:
no
Session associated with SAfA:
no
Session associated with CAA:
no
Session associated with DGUF:
no
Session associated with other:

Organisers

Main organiser:
Andris Kairiss (Latvia) 1
Co-organisers:
Marianne Mödlinger (Italy) 2
Irina Olevska (Netherlands) 3
Affiliations:
1. Riga Technical University
2. University of Genoa
3. Maastricht University