•  
  • Posted on 20 Nov 2008
  •  

A comparative study of heritage law in relation to cultural factors, in particular the issues facing modern communities living with ancient sites.

The project is a study of heritage law that focuses its questions on two regional case studies - Herculaneum, Campania, Italy and Blaenavon, Torfaen, Wales, UK. The project is primarily concerned with the modern communities living with these sites, their perceptions of the sites, and the issues posed for the communities by these sites. The relationship of these communities to the heritage and the laws concerned with its protection, and the cultural factors contributing to public perception of and heritage law governing these sites.

The two UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Herculaneum and Blaenavon, provide the platform for an investigation of the different national laws governing archaeological sites and built heritage designated as World Heritage Sites.

The initial case study has been accepted by the Herculaneum Conservation Project as one of their chosen research areas for the year 2008-09, for which they will provide support, contacts, information and access to materials.

The project begins with a brief review of heritage law of these different countries in relation to these UNESCO World Heritage Sites, in particular the laws that affect their preservation, conservation, and long-term continuous management. Asking how these laws directly affect management and maintenance in real on-site situations and examining the non-statutory nature of World Heritage Site listing, in particular, how the UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1972) is interpreted at a national level by governments working to European Union conventions and directives for the protection of heritage (Valletta: European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (Revised) 1992; EU Directive Article 151).

This weblog is the forum for discussion of the project, where local communities and professionals can share their views and debate issues facing modern communities living with ancient sites. Please read some of the pages here and add you comments in response to the questions or any other issues.