Pioneering Legislation

Swiss Federal law and legislation in Canton Basel-Landschaft are exemplary in terms of archaeological heritage protection. Contrary to many other European countries the Swiss archaeological record and objects are owned by the state. Archaeological sites and finds are part of our history and as such are public property.

Cultural heritage under threat

Various international conventions have been put in place with the aim of preserving our cultural heritage for the general public and for posterity, and protecting it from being stolen or destroyed. Archaeological legislation in Canton Basel-Landschaft and the research and conservation work carried out at Augusta Raurica are based on the following commonly cited international conventions.

Malta convention 1996
European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage.
Signed in La Valletta on 16th January 1992, approved by the Swiss Federal Assembly on 6th December 1995, instrument of ratification deposited on 27th March 1996, came into force in Switzerland on 28th September 1996.

Granada convention 1985
European Convention for the Protection of the Architectural Heritage; Signed in Granada/Spain on 3rd October 1985; approved by the Swiss Federal Assembly on 6th December 1995, instrument of ratification deposited on 27th March 1996, came into force in Switzerland on 1st July 1996.

ICOM (International Council of Museums) Code of ethics for Museums
Revised 2nd edition of the German version; ICOM Switzerland 2010.

Venice charter 1964
International charter for the conservation and restoration of monuments and sites.

Lausanne charter 1990
Charter for the protection and maintenance of the archaeological heritage.

Federal Act on the International Transfer of Cultural Property of 20th June 2003.