29th January 2009, 01:02 PM
Quote:quote:Should we dump the notion of preservation in-situ and embrace new developments as an opportunity to investigate in a controlled way something that otherwise might disappear unrecorded through erosion (natural processes), gradual mechanical degredation (such as arable ploughing and harvesting operations, or tree growth and replanting) or some other 'unseen' agency (dewatering, for instance)?
On the whole, yes.
But this will require us to stop thinking solely in terms of 'mitigation' and to think much more about 'research' and 'dissemination'. It also needs a pretty comprehensive philosphical and practical review of sampling, collection, retention and archiving strategies, policies and practices.