site.btaParliament Eases Conditions for Authorizing Archaeological Field Research

116 POLITICS - PARLIAMENT - ARCHAEOLOGY - LEGISLATIVE CHANGES

Parliament Eases
Conditions for Authorizing
Archaeological Field Research


Sofia, October 11 (BTA) - The National Assembly Thursday adopted conclusively amendments to the Cultural Heritage Act that ease the conditions for acquiring a permit for and registering an archaeological field research for established specialists with proven professional experience.

To carry out archaeological exploration and excavations, the applicant has to present a copy of a contract with a Bulgarian cultural and/or scientific institute or a higher education establishment the activity of which is linked to the conservation of archaeological heritage.

The information about the field research will be included in the Archaeological Map of Bulgaria automated information system in the year in which it is conducted.

The amendments change the definition of "archaeological reserve".

The revisions also expand the list of activities carried out by the Underwater Archaeology Centre by adding exploration, study, identification, conservation and presentation of cultural valuables found underwater with the purpose of information, education and aesthetics.

Under the amendments, state or municipal museums will offer free admissions one day per month, rather than per week. Companions of people with disabilities can now visit museums at discounted prices or free or charge, similarly to children, students, and people with disabilities.

Separate provisions amend the procedures for declaring objects of the immovable cultural heritage and providing a cultural valuable status. The digitization of cultural heritage is introduced as one of the Culture Minister's main functions for the conservation of cultural heritage.

The MPs also adopted second-reading amendments to the Protection and Development of Culture Act, tabled by the Council of Ministers, under which a recording of competitions for directors of state cultural institutes and the National Film Centre Executive Agency has to be made available on the Culture Ministry's website.

LI/DS