Norwegian archaeological heritage: Legislation vs. reality

Abstract

Archaeological heritage in Norway is seen as a national treasure and non-renewable resource, and according to the Norwegian Cultural Heritage Act of 1978 $ 10, developers - regardless whether they represent public or private sector - should cover expenses for surveys and eventually salvage excavations. This general understanding is a part of the idea that polluter pays, though the public sector actually covers the entire cost of small projects. Misperceptions regarding this legislation have created an unwanted gap between the field of cultural heritage and the rest of society. Many developers perceive archaeology as a source of trouble, something that delays their projects and consumes a considerable portion of their finances, particularly when they believe that they have to pay for the archaeological investigations not only once but twice (first for surveys and thereafter for excavations). Although the majority is interested in archaeological heritage, they fear it because - in their eyes - it represents a possible economic burden and potential delays. This chapter aims to shed light on Norwegian cultural heritage and on how local historical associations, amateurs and archaeologists can contribute towards its protection. At the same time, I will discuss the current Cultural Heritage Act, focusing on the fact that archaeological remains are deemed as valuable as education, healthcare, transport, security and so forth. Consequently, I argue that the state should cover a larger portion of archaeological expenses. At the same time, developers are those who will benefit from excavating the archaeological sites, and thus they should also contribute somehow to the archaeological investigations.