Page 29 - Manual for Activities directed at the Underwater Cultural Heritage

term preservation in mind, ‘in a manner consistent with the protection of that heritage’, to use the phrase as used by Rule 1. It is ironic that our present concern for the underwater cultural heritage might not have arisen if these pioneering – and sometimes exemplary – excavations had not stimulated our consciousness. In less explored areas and for other types of heritage it can well be argued that exemplary intrusive research or a model excavation will do much to enhance the consciousness necessary for the development of well-considered policies, although with present technology, enhancement of understanding can very often be attained by other than intrusive means.
In exceptional cases, a very good research design, addressing pertinent research questions, can be reason enough to sacrifice a stable site through excavation. However, it is certainly not the first option, and needs to meet the maximum requirements of state-of-the-art archaeological projects.
© Landesamt für Denkmalpflege im Regierungspräsidium Stuttgart. Use of geotextile techniques to protect a prehistoric site, lake Konstanz, Germany.
In order to counter erosion on and consolidate the archaeological remains of prehistoric lakeshore settlements that are preserved in situ on lake Konstanz, techniques have improved greatly in the past few years. After installing rigid reinforcements and coverings with sand bags, sand deposits and similar methods, new methods are now being carried out.
For the past number of years, geotextiles covered with gravel deposits have proven successful.
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General Principles