The Preventive Approach to Protecting Archaeological Heritage from the Threats Posed by Development Projects

Abstract

This article examines the urbanization and reconstruction movements that took place in Japan and Europe throughout the three decades following the end of the Second World War. These developments gave rise to new threats to the foundations of their archaeological heritage, particularly contemporary urban development works and the remarkably rapid expansion of major development projects. Initially, these countries adopted the approach of rescue archaeology to protect their heritage. However, this approach failed to safeguard archaeological remains against the threat posed by the expansion of development projects at their expense. Subsequently, Japan developed the strategy of preventive archaeology. Having recognized the effectiveness of the Japanese experience in preserving and enhancing archaeological heritage, European countries promptly adopted this strategy, adapting it intelligently to the differences in their administrative and financial systems and the specific characteristics of their archaeological heritage.