6th April 2010, 01:21 AM
The basis of the protection is that ...er....archaeological remains are protected by the state... irrespective of who may own the land upon which they are located.
As an example, if you happen to have a burial mound in your backgarden it is your backgarden, but all aspects of the the mound are protected by the state. There are restrictions on what you may or may not do within close vicinity of the defined 'monument'. It is normally accepted that a 5m protected zone is in place around the monument and obviously there are also restrictions applying where the setting of a monument might be affected by wider development. Norway is very close to having completed a national registration survey of visible and known archaeological remains, and in the case of unexpected or unknown remains there is a duty to report where such remains are uncovered.
Landowners can apply to alter a monument and may or may not receive permission subject to archaeological provision. Where there is a suspicion of intention to alter a monument without permission, landowners can be issued with a prohibition order and if such an order is breached may be subject to legal proceedings. There are cases where fines in excess of 1 million kroner (c ?110,000) have been imposed against individuals who knowingly damage archaeological remains. Individuals have also been ordered to pay for the cost of restitution of the monument, archaeological works resulting from recording of damage and removal of the development resulting from the breach.
Fortunately the majority of Norwegians are law-abiding and I have found in general proud of their shared heritage. Of course there are some individuals who share the Uo1 mindset, but fortunately most of that small number are either confined to their padded cells or are receiving professional help with their problems.....
As an example, if you happen to have a burial mound in your backgarden it is your backgarden, but all aspects of the the mound are protected by the state. There are restrictions on what you may or may not do within close vicinity of the defined 'monument'. It is normally accepted that a 5m protected zone is in place around the monument and obviously there are also restrictions applying where the setting of a monument might be affected by wider development. Norway is very close to having completed a national registration survey of visible and known archaeological remains, and in the case of unexpected or unknown remains there is a duty to report where such remains are uncovered.
Landowners can apply to alter a monument and may or may not receive permission subject to archaeological provision. Where there is a suspicion of intention to alter a monument without permission, landowners can be issued with a prohibition order and if such an order is breached may be subject to legal proceedings. There are cases where fines in excess of 1 million kroner (c ?110,000) have been imposed against individuals who knowingly damage archaeological remains. Individuals have also been ordered to pay for the cost of restitution of the monument, archaeological works resulting from recording of damage and removal of the development resulting from the breach.
Fortunately the majority of Norwegians are law-abiding and I have found in general proud of their shared heritage. Of course there are some individuals who share the Uo1 mindset, but fortunately most of that small number are either confined to their padded cells or are receiving professional help with their problems.....
With peace and consolation hath dismist, And calm of mind all passion spent...