Page 82 - Manual for Activities directed at the Underwater Cultural Heritage
P. 82
Site assessment
Rule 14.
The preliminary work referred to in Rule 10 (a) shall include an assessment that evaluates the significance and vulnerabili- ty of the underwater cultural heritage and the surrounding natural environment to damage by the proposed project, and the potential to obtain data that would meet the project objectives.
Preliminary work essentially takes place in antici- pation of an intervention. No operation must be un- dertaken without it, regardless of whether it aims at consolidation, at facilitating access or at full excava- tion.
As regulated by Rule 14, the preliminary work needs to include assessments of site significance, vulne- rability and the potential to reach project objectives. It should address basic issues, such as the extent of the site, depth, stratigraphic position, the general condition of preserved remains, and site integrity. It should also include a description of other general characteristics and above all else, draw an analytical comparison with other sites.
The emphasis on evaluation of preliminary studies in a project design in Rule 10 is intended to ensure that decisions concerning heritage are rational and transparent. They define what is known at that point of time and serve the following purposes:
• inform the competent authorities about the site, its context, environment and condition;
• provide a basis for a region’s inventory;
• provide the basis for development of a
management plan; and
• provide the basis for the design of (any)
project directed at this particular site.
A preliminary assessment of a site should include descriptive information and an evaluative section on:
• location
• depth
• stratigraphic position
• extent
• nature of remains
• condition of remains
• environmental
conditions
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Preliminary work