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 16^th January 1992, approved by the Swiss Federal Assembly on 6^th December 1995, instrument of ratification deposited on 27^th March 1996, came into force in Switzerland on 28^th September 1996.

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

ICOM (International Council of Museums) Code of ethics for Museums
Revised 2^nd 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 20^th June 2003.