Israeli archaeologists oppose privatisation bill. Proposed amendment related to disputed excavation.

From The Art Newspaper
http://www.theartnewspaper.com/articles/Israeli-archaeologists-oppose-privatisation-bill/24810

By Lauren Gelfond Feldinger | Web only
Published online 6 Oct 11 (News)

It's all in the name: Silwan or City of David (Photo: Emek Shaveh)

JERUSALEM. More than 150 Israeli archaeologists and historians have petitioned the Israeli parliament to vote down an amendment to a bill that would privatise national parks, including archaeological and historic sites. The petition, delivered to the culture and environment ministers, charges that the changes to law, if passed, would fuel political interests, hurt minority communities and undermine unbiased scientific research. “We demand that the government not change the laws... and instead strengthens academic freedom and heritage without sectarian preference,” it says. The Union for Environmental Defence and The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel have also opposed the amendment.

The bill, to be voted on in October, was proposed following protests against the management of City of David, one of Israel’s most popular, albeit politically charged, archaeological parks, sponsored and managed by a private foundation.

Based on the writings of Roman historian Flavius Josephus and in the Bible, archaeologists have been searching since the 19th century for clues to ancient Jerusalem in the Silwan neighbourhood, just south of the Old City. They named the site City of David based on biblical descriptions; the water source in biblical texts was called Shiloah in Hebrew, or Silwan in Arabic. The first excavations, run by late Ottoman-rule archaeologists, discovered that Jerusalem was first developed there as far back as the 18th century BC by the Canaanites. Archaeologists have since found complicated strata from more than a dozen periods and evidence of settlement by as many civilisations. By the early 20th century, the inhabitants were primarily Muslim, living peacefully with around 100 Yemenite Jewish families.

Today, Silwan/City of David is a powder-keg, sometimes referred to as being symbolic of the local conflict. More than 35,000 inhabitants of the disputed east Jerusalem neighbourhood, primarily poor Arab residents, live amid the wealthy archaeological park. The privately owned Elad Foundation, which manages the site, has invested millions of dollars to fund Israel Antiquities Authority digs and run tours and archaeological exhibitions that particularly focus on showing Jewish and biblical history from the Judean and Israeli periods of settlement.

Archaeology professor Raphael Greenberg of Tel Aviv University, who dug at the site in previous years, says that there is Palestinian, Jewish and other history in the ground, and Palestinian and Jewish rights above ground, and that recognition of this by both sides is fundamental to any reconciliation. “In the meantime,” he says, “as long as Israel controls Silwan, it must restrain itself as well as those groups who would use a one-dimensional view of the past in order to further the rhetoric of disenfranchisement and displacement of Palestinians in the present.”

Elad’s mandate beyond archaeology, which includes “revitalising” Jewish settlement at City of David , has also led to its acquisition of dozens of homes for Jewish families. Occasional clashes with the new Jewish residents and their armed guards has resulted in arrests of Palestinian protestors and the fatal shooting last year of a teenaged Palestinian resident. The village authorities also maintain that a main street and several homes have suffered damage from the underground tunnelling, and that plans to demolish homes and massive traffic jams because of more than 300,000 tourists a year are the results of city planning that favour the tourist site over the residents.

Israel has always given permission to independent registered academies, such as institutes of archaeology at international universities, to dig, analyse artefacts, and publish their results, with a licence from the Israeli Antiquities Authority (IAA) or National Parks Association. Independent development companies have also managed historic sites, as at Caesaria. But Elad is the first private organisation in Israel to fund and oversee an antiquities site inside a crowded residential Arab neighbourhood, while also pursuing an ideological mandate to settle Jewish residents there as part of connecting to and promoting a particular historic era.

Archaeologists charge that the IAA permits this because they need funding from Elad and the bill, if passed, will formalise the arrangement. “This is the most outrageous case of a political group running an archaeological site and a case study for archaeology in conflict with communities,” says archaeologist Yonatan Mizrahi, who left the IAA to found Emek Shaveh, the alternative archaeology organisation that sponsored the petition. “When you bring heritage sites to political organisations you give them political power—archaeologists should be open-minded about which layers to preserve and show to the public and what kind of co-operation to have with the surrounding public,” he says.

A number of Israeli civil rights organisations, including Rabbis for Human Rights, Peace Now, Ir Amim and the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, have also protested against Elad.

Elad dismisses the criticism of it as biased, arguing that during a three-hour tour, it is not possible to represent all periods, and “like in every other site around the world, the primary periods were chosen… while Jerusalem has been inhabited by many different peoples, the time in which Jerusalem became a centre of life for the people in the area was during the Canaanite and Israelite periods (1850BC-70AD),” said Doron Spielman, Elad’s senior director. He also said that charges that Elad has a political agenda are “an attempt to undermine archaeological findings and give support to unsubstantiated claims that the Jewish people are newcomers to this area”.

Elad has hired workers from Silwan, in what it calls efforts towards good relationships, but Spielman says that “radical elements… parading under the guise of human rights” coerced 100 local Arab workers to quit. The IAA declined to comment.

Archaeologists here have often debated the role of nationalism and religion in archaeology. In the early years of the state, most local archaeologists were primarily interested in proving biblical narratives and searching for Jewish roots. Religious communities objected to the digging of areas that had human remains and, after years of conflict over the approach to burial grounds and religious law, Israel’s attorney-general declared in 1997—in contrast to antiquities authorities worldwide—that bones are not antiquities and must be turned over to religious authorities for proper burial. In the past decade, the head of the IAA, Benjamin Kedar, acknowledged that Israel did not have enough archaeologists who were experts in the Islamic periods and tried to reinvigorate the academies to broaden their fields of study.

Now, as petitions from archaeologists, environmentalists and human rights groups seek to kill the privatisation bill, archaeologists are also opposing a proposed amendment to the Israeli Antiquities Authority law that would allow the appointment of an IAA chair of the board of directors who is not a member of the National Academy of Sciences. The heads of four of the five major archaeology departments at universities—Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv University, Haifa University and Ben Gurion University in the Negev—also sent a letter of opposition to the culture minister, Limor Livnat, against the amendment. Livnat has said that all qualified candidates should be eligible to head the IAA board of directors, as Kedar stands to step down. But the private archaeologists argue that a chair selected by the Academy of Science will be more scientifically independent and not answerable to the politics of the minister who appointed them.

Some recent academic research, as circulated by UK Heritage Research Group

Nelson, Suzy: Stewardship of the built environment in England: lessons for developing sustainable communities, IN Planning Practice and Research, Vol 26 No 1 Feb 2011, pp1-19

Explores the role stewardship in the improvement of housing quality and the development of more sustainable communities. Reviews two historical models of stewardship in the built environment: land owned and managed by aristocratic estates; and the garden cities model of urban development. Highlights the long-term view taken by these two models and contrasts this with the short-term view of development taken by the contemporary UK house building industry. Describes recent efforts to improve the design quality and sustainability of new housing. Presents a case study of contemporary private-sector stewardship, focusing on the development of a new neighbourhood at Newall near Harlow in Essex. Discusses the Moen family's plans for the development and commitment to quality. Looks at various features of the development including: the mix of housing types and tenure; plans for mixed-use buildings and a neighbourhood centre; sustainability; economic viability; and the long-term management plans. Assesses the strengths and weaknesses of this approach to delivering sustainable communities. Considers the potential for private-sector-led stewardship to produce high-quality development, and the lessons for creating sustainable communities.

Florida, Richard; Mellander, Charlotta; Stolarick, Kevin: Beautiful places: the role of perceived aesthetic beauty in community satisfaction, IN Regional Studies, Vol 45 No 1 Jan 2011, pp33-48

Presents the results of research conducted in the US, which sought to examine the effects of beauty and aesthetics on community satisfaction. Investigates the influence of different community characteristics, including: quality of public schools; quality of schools and colleges; cultural opportunities; job opportunities; religious institutions; meeting people and making friends; vibrant nightlife; affordable housing; public transportation; congestion; quality healthcare; climate; air quality; beauty or physical setting; outdoor parks, playgrounds and trails; current economic conditions; and future economic conditions. Finds that beauty is significantly associated with community satisfaction, and reports that other significant factors include economic security, schools and social interaction. Suggests that community-level factors are significantly more important than individual demographic characteristics in explaining community satisfaction.

Oxford University Department of International Development - Working Paper

Multi-criteria Assessment of Ecosystems and Biodiversity: New Dimensions and Stakeholders in the South of France - Stanislav Edward Shmelev (QEH)

http://www.qeh.ox.ac.uk/dissemination/wpDetail?jor_id=339

This paper summarises research undertaken to develop a methodology for multi-criteria assessment of biodiversity which takes into account a multitude of criteria and stakeholder perspectives. The proposed methodology will be of particular value for developing countries, where conflicts of interest regarding ecosystems and biodiversity are numerous and often involve businesses, government, local residents, and other stakeholders. The article reviews the state of the art in the field of multi-criteria methods and assessment of ecosystems and biodiversity. It presents the results of analytical work undertaken on the basis of interviews carried out in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur (PACA) region of France, focusing on biodiversity in the Reserve Naturelle Coussouls de Crau. The paper addresses three main issues: selection of the multi-criteria assessment method, selection of the assessment criteria, and a comparison of stakeholder interests in the context of biodiversity analysis. Identification of potential decision criteria was based on a survey of key stakeholders, namely Management of the Reserve Naturelle Coussouls de Crau; Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, a national biodiversity research institution; the Laissez-faire Association, protecting the interests of the agricultural community; CDC Biodiversite (a branch of Caisse des Depots), a group carrying out long-term investments in the public interest; and Direction regionale de l'environnement Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur (DIREN-PACA). Based on these interviews, 14 ecological, nine economic, and 12 social criteria were identified. Further analysis revealed very few points of overlap among the interests of the stakeholders, which complicates the case for consensus building. Not accepting the idea that the value of ecosystems and biodiversity can be expressed in monetary terms, the author suggests an alternative, more inclusive approach, focusing on multiple social, economic, and ecological dimensions of ecosystem value, and illustrates the existence of divergent interests among the stakeholders. This experience would be particularly useful in situations where local communities have to defend their right to a clean environment and preserve important virgin ecosystems for the future generations.

Strategic Planning for Learning Organizations in the Cultural Sector

Soros Foundation Moldova, March 2011, Moldova

Researcher, professor and consultant Lidia Varbanova has published a new book about efficient management and strategic planning of organisations in the cultural sector. Supported by the European Cultural Foundation and the MATRA Programme of the Dutch Government, the book proposes to apply a set of organisational strategies in cultural organisations by providing clear practical orientation and comprehensible definitions that can be used as a "guidebook" by professionals and researchers from the sector. The book, edited by Diane Dodd, provides plenty of examples and tips for elaborating a strategic plan.

Published in Russian and Romanian by the Soros Foundation Moldova, the English edition will be released in the following months.

http://www.lidiavarbanova.ca/main/2011/02/02/strategic-planning/

Kyte, Simon; Deb, Sweta: 2011. Estimating the contribution of leisure day visitors to London's tourism industry (Current issues note 29)

Greater London Authority, City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2AA

Available on the internet at: http://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/glaecon-cin-29.pdf

Explores how to measure the contribution of leisure day visitors to London's tourism industry. Discusses the differences between the various surveys which have been used to measure tourism day visits and spend in London. Provides details and results of the most recent National Day Visitor Surveys, the Great Britain Day Visits Survey 2002 to 2003 (GBDVS) and the England Leisure Visits Survey (ELVS) in 2005. Outlines the key limitations of these national surveys, including data and sampling issues, methodologies used, timeliness and coverage for London. Considers the 2008 London Development Agency (LDA) Omnibus Survey and highlights the latest tourism day visitor estimates, including expenditure and volumes for London. Looks at the differences between the Omnibus Survey and the GBDVS and ELVS, and provides a summary comparison table of the three surtreated as experimental in nature.

Prince's Regeneration Trust. 2011. Planning for sustainability: a local authority toolkit. Prince's Regeneration Trust

Available on the internet at: http://www.princes-regeneration.org/pdf/PRT-Planning-for-Sustainability.pdf

Sets out a series of steps to consider when managing heritage assets and when looking into the options for their disposal. Includes guidance for local authorities on each of the steps, covering: managing heritage assets; maintenance and periodic survey; keeping a building log book or conservation manual; taking stock of what the council owns; regularly reviewing council assets and considering opportunities for disposal; making cost comparisons; transparent decision making on disposals; obtaining the best value for money in the method of disposal; partnership working; social return on investment and wider social benefits of disposals; funding for recipients of disposals; and sustainability post-disposal, through building capacity. Includes case studies of good practice.

Cannon, John 2011. Valuing places: good practice in conservation area. English Heritage

Available on the internet at: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/publications/valuing-places/valuing-places-good-practice-conservation-areas.pdf

Presents case studies of good practice in the management of conservation areas. Contends that conservation areas are an effective and popular means of preserving the character of places. Suggests that the process of effective conservation area management comprises the following steps: agreement on which elements of a place are of architectural or historical importance; the formulation of policies to protect these elements; and ensuring that new interventions enhance local distinctiveness and historic character. Sets out examples of good practice in the following areas: local engagement; establishing significance; management plans; strategic initiatives; local placemaking; public realm; and managing change.

Trow, Stephen; Tunnicliffe, Sarah. 2011. Knowing your place: heritage and community-led planning in the countryside. English Heritage

Available on the internet at: http://www.helm.org.uk/upload/pdf/Heritage_and_Community_Planning_Countryside_1.1.pdf?1299817501

Provides guidance on the incorporation of local heritage within plans that local communities are producing, reviewing or updating. Considers the benefits of including heritage in community-led plans. Looks at how to gather information on heritage. Recommends that plans should address the following areas: the surrounding landscape; village layout; historic buildings; places of worship; village character and townscape; green spaces; views and sight lines; conservation areas; and archaeological sites. Considers how to take advantage of opportunities to enhance the value of local heritage to the community which arise in the preparation of parish plans and village design statements. Discusses action in the following areas: risk and condition surveys; local listing and conservation areas; additional and new uses for historic buildings; action on conservation areas; taking ownership of community assets; improving care for places of worship; encouraging good design; skills and materials; affordable housing; energy efficiency; action to enhance the streetscape; enhancing other historic green spaces; maintaining heritage in the surrounding landscape; improving interpretation and understanding of local heritage; and funding. Provides advice on the development and presentation of plans.

CAG Consultants. 2011. Delivering for the environment in our communities: an audit of single outcome agreements. Scottish Environment LINK

Available on the internet at: http://www.scotlink.org/files/publication/LINKReports/LINKsoaReportAudit2011.pdf

Presents the findings of an audit of the extent to which sustainable development and environmental issues are being addressed in the 32 single outcome agreements (SOAs) dated 2009 onwards in Scotland. Considers ways in which SOAs and any successor arrangements can more effectively address sustainable development and environmental priorities. Presents the results of the research, looking at: the extent to which sustainable development is referenced and discussed within SOAs; the extent to which SOAs represent the 'step change' needed to achieve sustainability; the extent of integration between the delivery of different outcomes; and the extent to which 'crunch issues' are acknowledged and addressed. Looks at the number of SOAs that include outcomes and/or indicators for ten key topics: biodiversity; climate change; ecological/carbon footprint; waste; sustainable development education; historic environment; landscape; activity/health; recreational access; transport; and water. Finds that sustainable development is not widely seen as a strategic priority for Community Planning Partnerships (CPPs) in Scotland, and does not appear to be widely understood, in SOAs or in guidance for SOAs, as a framework for policy development. Identifies some gaps in the coverage of environmental issues in SOAs, including climate change mitigation, climate change adaptation, landscapes, the historic environment and the sustainable management of water resources. Sets out recommendations for policy makers and CPPs based on the research findings.

Holborow, Will; Lloyd James, Owain (eds): 2011. Pillars of the community: the transfer of local authority heritage assets

English Heritage

Available on the internet at: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/publications/pillars-of-the-community-the-transfer-of-local-authority-heritage-assets/pillars-of-the-community-the-transfer-of-local-authority-heritage-assets/

Looks at how local authorities and community organisations can transfer property assets such as historic buildings, monuments, places or landscapes which have significance and are valued by the community. Highlights the legal, financial and regulatory issues involved in transferring assets. Outlines the context of asset transfer highlighting the influence of the 2007 Quirk Review, 'Making assets work' (PLANEX Ref. B4864). Provides detailed guidance, from the viewpoint of the local authority and the community respectively, with tips and checklists. Explains how local authorities can take stock of their heritage assets and formulate transfer strategies. Discusses the importance of providing opportunities and support for local groups involved in the transfer process. Explores how communities can develop successful projects, from assessing potential uses and assessing risks, to ensuring the project's long-term viability. Includes case studies and highlights good practice. Includes a glossary of terms and lists additional sources of advice and information. Notes that the guidance is also relevant to transfers from central government and other public bodies.

Cadw - Conservation principles

http://www.cadw.wales.gov.uk/default.asp?id=21&NewsId=350

Historic Preservation & the Georgia Economy. Good News in Tough Times: Historic Preservation Georgia Economy.

Download the full pdf (1.44mb) or click here to view online. http://www.gashpo.org/content/displaycontent.asp?txtDocument=148

A new study has been released on the impact of historic preservation on the state's economy. Report findings show that historic preservation in Georgia spurs investment, attracts visitors, revitalizes downtowns, and effectively leverages scarce resources. Entitled Good News in Tough Times: Historic Preservation and the Georgia Economy, the study was prepared by Donovan Rypkema and Caroline Cheong of PlaceEconomics, a real estate and economic development consulting firm based in Washington, D.C.

Report findings show that historic preservation in Georgia spurs investment, attracts visitors, revitalizes downtowns, and effectively leverages scarce resources. Examples include the following:

• Through federal and state tax incentive programs that encourage the rehabilitation of historic buildings, DNR's Historic Preservation Division has helped contribute to the generation of 10,168 jobs and $420,046,800 in income to Georgia workers.

• Heritage tourism in Georgia sustains 117,000 jobs, generating nearly $204,000,000 in wages and $210,000,000 in local tax revenues.

• Nationally for every business that closes, 1.1-1.2 businesses open. National data available from 2004 to 2008 shows that Georgia's historic downtowns generated 2.8 - 4.6 business openings for every business that closed.

• Historic Macon Foundation (HMF), a preservation nonprofit, works to revitalize historic neighborhoods. HMF's work has brought 140 formally vacant historic homes back on the market and added $141,474 a year in additional tax receipts for the city. Over 2,000 jobs were created.

State Representative Susan D. Holmes (House District 125), former Mayor of Monticello, said "I've seen first hand the positive impact that preservation can have on a community's economy. This report supports what those of us involved in local economic development have known for a long time. Historic preservation, especially in this challenging budget environment, is key in our efforts to revitalize Georgia's historic downtowns and neighborhoods."

Dr. Dave Crass, director of DNR's Historic Preservation Division (HPD), added, "An earlier study produced in the 1990s (see below) confirmed that historic preservation does indeed make an economic difference to communities. This is an appropriate time to once again evaluate the importance of preserving and continuing to use Georgia's historic places. Good News in Tough Times presents a strong case."

Arts & Business figures reveal private investment in culture stands firm at height of recession

Benchmarking tool and interactive map: http://artsandbusiness.org.uk/Central/Research/Investment-and-funding/private_investment_culture_0910.aspx

* Overall decrease as total figure falls by 3% in real terms to £658m

* Business investment falls another 11% - third consecutive year of decrease to £144m

* Individual Philanthropy down 4% though still accounts for the majority (55%) of investment to £359m

* Trusts and Foundations overtake business investment for the first time since 2004 to £155m

Pacific Cultural Mapping, Planning and Policy Toolkit

Secretariat of the Pacific Community, New Caledonia, March 2011 (Author: Katerina Teaiwa and Colin Mercer, Format: PDF Document)

http://www.spc.int/hdp/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=107

The toolkit builds on the Cultural Mapping, Planning and Policy Workshop conducted for members of the Council for Pacific Arts and Culture in March 2010 at the SPC headquarters in Nouméa, New Caledonia. This workshop was the first activity of Structuring the Cultural Sector in the Pacific for Improved Human Development, a project administered by the Human Development Programme of SPC and funded by the European Commission. The project targets four specific but complementary and mutually supporting areas of the cultural sector: developing policy; promoting cultural industries; preserving cultural heritage; and building cultural relations within the African, Caribbean and Pacific group of states (ACP).

This document is thus a resource for 'structuring the culture sector' in Pacific Island countries and territories. It draws on approaches from a variety of international models while attending to several issues and concerns relevant to the Pacific Island region specifically. Rather than providing a comprehensive overview of the cultural policy field, it is an open-ended resource for cultural policy consultants and workers who will fashion their own processes as appropriate to their local and national contexts. It is designed to complement other SPC cultural resources including the 'Policy Map' and 'Model Law' on TK which are available online.

IFACCA link lists newsletters from around the globe. IFACCA, 10 February 2011

Links to nearly 100 arts and cultural policy newsletters are now provided on the IFACCA website. Together with its other news-gathering activities, IFACCA staff members review every edition of this diverse range of newsletters to ensure that ACORNS is constantly providing you with the most relevant news. If you are aware of any other newsletters that provide high quality, internationally relevant news on developments in arts and cultural policy then please let us know at info@ifacca.org and we will consider including them in our database.

http://www.ifacca.org/links/newsletters/

Recommendations for improving historic environment practice - the Southport Group seeks your views

The 'Southport Group' has launched an online public consultation to gather opinion on a ground-breaking draft report that outlines recommendations and products for improving historic environment practice to ensure delivery of consistent excellence in public benefit.

The consultation officially launches at the IfA Conference and runs until 3 June 2011.

Should we restore ruins?

As reported by SALON …

Simon Jenkins has accused Country Life's present Architectural Editor, John Goodall, and his predecessor in the post, Jeremy Musson, of being the high priests of 'the cult of the ruin'.

Musson's new book, English Ruins, 'celebrates and exults such shrines as Glastonbury, Fountains, Dunstanburgh, Bodiam, Cowdray and even Battersea power station. England to him "is a landscape of ruins",' Simon writes. As for John Goodall, he has 'produced a majestic survey, The English Castle, with page after page of 'gaunt and gutted structures, ready for the Romantics to swoon over and the ministry of works to grasp to its bosom and timidly surround with nationalised grass'. Why, Simon asks, if 'old cathedrals and churches were vigorously restored by the Victorians, to be repaired and updated ever since, were most abbeys and castles frozen in time?' Was it, he asks, to keep archaeologists in work explaining the arcane mysteries of England's ancient ruins to the public?

Simon deplores the state of Witley Court in Worcestershire, gutted by fire in 1937 and left as a ruin, and praises Uppark, gutted likewise in 1989 but fully restored (ditto Windsor Castle, Hampton Court and Castle Howard). He refers to Westminster Abbey, Sainte Chapelle, the Kremlin and Carcassonne as brave examples of restoration (and could have added the palaces of St Petersburg and any number of townscapes in the war-torn parts of continental Europe). While admitting that some national icons derive their character from their ruined state (Fountains Abbey, Tintern and Chepstow Castle), he applauds English Heritage for its 'bold reconstruction of the Dover Castle interiors' and calls for more of the same.

How did the high priests respond? Writing to the Guardian, Fellow John Goodall denied that his book was evidence of the cult of ruins, pointing out the deliberate juxtaposition on the cover of a ruin (Bodiam Castle) and a living monument (the great hall of Berkeley, an occupied and privately owned castle). It is a question of funds, John argued, saying he doubts whether the money or the determination really exists to re-create an entire Roman fort on Hadrian's Wall or a villa in Kent, 'as Simon Jenkins has so delightfully proposed'.

Ian Leith also contributed to the debate, saying that 'architects or developers are not allowed to muse over new ways of using old buildings, so we get the theme park we deserve', and that this 'confirms a national conflict between imaginative designers and mythical remains', which seems to have been better handled on the continent, where we can 'wonder at modern interventions to old buildings which do not alter the original fabric and add new interpretations to such old sites'.

Jeremy Musson is unapologetic: ruins, he says in Country Life (27 April 2011), convey an important message about mutability, 'the rise and fall of dynasties, the waxing and waning power of Church and State, the tides of industry and war'. Ruins evoke different emotions and thoughts than complete buildings, and offer a different aesthetic experience. He quotes the seventeenth-century antiquary, John Aubrey, to the effect that ruins 'breed in generous mindes a kind of pittie; and set the thoughts aworke to make out their magnificence as they were in perfection'.

ARPA Research Assistance

Carolyn Shelbourn at the School of Law at the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom is looking for information on offences under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979. You can find
out some more about her and her research here:

http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/law/staff/academic/cshelbourn

She would welcome information on any ARPA cases, but is particularly keen to contact archaeologists who have been involved following an ARPA offence, so that she can compare their experience with that of archaeologists in England. All information will be treated in confidence and individual respondents will not be identified unless you give her express permission to do so.

She has the following questions:

1. ABOUT YOU
(a) Your name
(b) Occupation
(c) Have you attended any training course on ARPA and its enforcement and if so what was this training?
(d) Contact details if you are happy for me to contact you for more information

2. THE OFFENCE
(a) What kind of site was involved?
(b) What was the nature of the ARPA offence?

3. EVIDENCE FROM CRIME SCENE
(a) Was evidence taken from the scene of the offence?
(b) Who collected this evidence?
(c) What kind of evidence was collected?

4. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS FOLLOWING OFFENCE
(a) Was the offender prosecuted?
(b) Was a civil penalty sought?

5. INVOLVEMENT OR ARCHAEOLOGISTS IN PROCEEDINGS
(a) Did you or a colleague write a statement of archaeological value?
(b) Did you or a colleague give evidence in person at the hearing?
(c) Did you receive assistance in preparing for this appearance and if so what was this and who gave it?
(d) Did you feel confident/well prepared when giving evidence?

6. THE OUTCOME
What was the outcome of the proceedings?
(a) Conviction?
(b) If yes what was the sentence imposed?
(c) Civil penalty?
(d) If so what was the sentence imposed?
(e) Forfeiture?
(f) Other penalty?

7. ARE THERE ANY COMMENTS YOU WISH TO MAKE?


Her e-mail address is c.shelbourn@sheffield.ac.uk. Please put ‘ARPA
questionnaire’ as the subject of the e-mail.

Call for the defense of the Carthage - Sidi Bou Said cultural Site TUNISIE

Petition for the defense of Carthage