Integrated Conservation of The Archaeological Heritage
Article 5 deals with the relationship between the preservation of archaeological heritage and development projects. Each Party agrees to involve archaeologists in the complete planning policy (Art. 5, para. i). For example, archaeological sites and their settings shall be considered if environmental impact assessments are required (Art. 5, para. vi).
It is essential that “archaeologists, town and regional planners systematically consult one another” (Art. 5, para. iii) in order to modify development plans that may have an adverse effect on archaeological heritage (para. iv), saving a considerable amount of time and money. The consultation process can only be successful, if the State parties make “relevant surveys, inventories and maps of archaeological sites” (Art. 7, para. i) available.
Though damage will be caused to some archaeological heritage, important projects are implemented anyway. In that case, emergency excavations should be carried out; and it is necessary that States ensure “sufficient time and resources for an appropriate scientific study of the site” and the publication of its findings are allocated. Article 6 of the revised Convention gives details about the source of funds for archaeological research and rescue archaeology.
If excavation works discover elements of archaeological heritage during a project, Article 5, paragraph vii makes provisions for “conservation in situ when feasible”. However, that paragraph does not say how this will be done. An option may be to excavate the site and conserve the remains with soil or a special covering afterwards, so that the construction can occur on top of it. The site and its elements are thus partially or fully available for potential investigations in the future.
Read more about this topic: Valletta Treaty
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