The term sustainability in archaeological heritage management: An attempt to define a position taking the practice of Schleswig-Holstein as an example

Abstract

The term sustainability has become very fashionable in the past years. It has been established as an important objective for spatial planning in Germany. From an archaeological point of view, the preservation of sites is seen as a primary goal. Nevertheless, this goal is in contemporary daily business against the background of spatial multi-functionality hardly to achieve. In the context of the project ,Regiobranding', the archaeological heritage management of Schleswig-Holstein has the opportunity to look at the term sustainability. The evaluation of the legal framework is foregrounded to forward archaeological aims in spatial planning decision processes above a simple compliance to preservation and in accordance to scientific requirements. In addition to site preservation rescue archaeology has been established. Thus, land use conflicts can be solved. But this solution is at the expense of the archaeological heritage itself. In the context of this contribution the process behind the decision on preservation or salvage excavation is reflected against the background of the Schleswig-Holsteinian legal framework and from an archaeological perspective. Furthermore, this contribution gives an insight in a debate led in the states service and within the project ,Regiobranding', and has the aim to stimulate further debate.