New directions in archaeological science

source: ANU e-press
"This collection of refereed papers covers the thematic fields of geoarchaeology, archaeobotany, materials analysis and chronometry, with particular emphasis on the first two. The editors Andrew Fairbairn, Sue O’Connor and Ben Marwick outline the special value of these contributions in the introduction. The international nature of archaeological science will mean that the advances set out in these papers will find a receptive audience among many archaeologists elsewhere. There is no doubt that the story that Australasian archaeology has to tell has been copiously enriched by incorporating a widening net of advanced science-based studies. This has brought attention to the nature of the environment as a human artefact, a fact now more widely appreciated, and archaeology deals with these artefacts, among others, in this way in this publication."

Review of the Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986 and Regulations: discussion paper

Source: Dept. of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
"The purpose of this discussion paper is to encourage input from individuals, businesses and organisations into the review of the Legislation. It provides an explanation of the key provisions of the Act and Regulations; a summary of how the provisions have been implemented since the Act came into force in July 1987; and a selection of key questions regarding the operation of the Legislation to help stimulate discussion as part of the review."

A guide to heritage listing in Australia

Source: Dept. of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
"This guide outlines how the different levels of heritage listing in Australia – world, national, state/territory and local are determined. At the highest level are places on the World Heritage List like Kakadu National Park and the Sydney Opera House, while on a local heritage list there might be a nature reserve or the local Post Office. While all of these places are important, the Australian, state and territory and local government heritage systems distinguish between these levels for legal and practical reasons."

Saving our history: a review of national park cultural resource programs

Source: National Academy of Public Administration (U.S.)
"In this report, a National Academy Panel responds to a request from the National Park Service (NPS) to provide independent recommendations to improve stewardship of cultural resources in national parks, including historic structures, archeological sites, museum collections, cultural landscapes, and park histories. The Panel has identified ways that NPS can improve stewardship of these important national resources by strengthening performance-based management, ensuring park superintendent accountability, increasing flexibility in the use of funds, strengthening national leadership, and seeking additional funds and staff to reduce risks to cultural resources of national significance. "

Sacred natural sites: guidelines for protected area managers

Source:UNESCO
"Around the world there is growing interest in, and recognition of the importance of, sacred natural sites as critical elements to both biological and cultural preservation, especially in light of the accelerating loss of biocultural diversity as an unintended by-product of globalization. These new Guidelines summarize experience to date in recognizing, planning and managing sacred natural sites in a variety of Protected Areas. The Guidelines will be used to share experience with protected area managers and their colleagues around the world who are concerned about and interested in protecting sacred natural sites. The new publication includes 44 guidelines and 16 case studies from around the world."

Historic concrete structures in New Zealand: overview, maintenance and management

Source: NZ Dept. of Conservation
"Early concrete structures form an important part of New Zealanders’ cultural heritage. This handbook describes the historical development of concrete and its properties, and outlines the background to early concrete structures, concentrating on the early use of concrete (up to the 1940s) as a building material in New Zealand. It identifies characteristic defects and patterns of deterioration in the material, and explains how these may be recognised and described."

Lady Elliot Island lightstation draft heritage management plan

"The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) is preparing a Heritage Management Plan for the historic lightstation precinct on Lady Elliot Island. The Lady Elliot Island Lightstation represents an important element in the establishment of navigational aids along the Queensland coast and the history of lighthouse technology, accommodation and associated services. The historical significance of Lady Elliot Island Lighthouse has been recognised through its inclusion on the Commonwealth Heritage List".

Case studies on climate change and world heritage

The potential impact of climate change on the world's cultural and natural heritage is a subject of growing concern. The present publication, which highlights several case studies illustrating the impact of climate change on World Heritage, marks another positive step in UNESCO's efforts in this area.