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Submission
from ALGAO:Cymru
Dr Peter Wakelin
RCAHMW
Crown
Building
Plas Crug
Aberystwyth
SY23 1NJ
Dear Peter,
The Welsh
Historic Environment: Towards a Strategic Statement
I am writing
as Chair of the Association of Local Government Archaeological Officers:
Cymru (ALGAO:Cymru), the Welsh national group of the Association
of Local Government Archaeological Officers: UK (ALGAO:UK). The
Association provides a forum representing archaeologists working
for, and providing services to, local authorities and national parks
throughout the UK. In Wales its members are senior professional
archaeologists providing advice on archaeological conservation and
management including the provision of Historic Environment Records
and development control services to Unitary Authorities.
Thank you for
the opportunity to comment on this document. ALGAO:Cymru strongly
welcome the development of advice to the Minister for Heritage and
support the document's aims. We consider that there is a clear need
for a well-articulated vision and direction for the sector in Wales
and wish to work with the Minister's Historic Environment Group
to help achieve this.
We have a number
of comments regarding the draft document:-
People and
communities
Although it identifies the importance of active engagement with
the historic environment this section does not highlight the importance
of public opportunities to take part in investigation and discovery
of the historic environment. We suggest that the actions should
include working across the sector to develop opportunities for active
public involvement in developing understanding - not only presenting
and communicating to the public. A two way process of engagement
needs to be supported.
The evidence
base and learning
The Research Framework for the Archaeology of Wales provides an
important tool in recognising gaps in our knowledge and developing
programmes of work to address them. However, there is also a need
to develop knowledge and understanding in relation to the skills
and processes of the management of the historic environment. The
actions should therefore also make reference to committing to developing
the knowledge and skills of the sector to meet the changing needs
and aspirations of legislation and society in the protection and
understanding of the historic environment.
A sustainable
environment
Local authorities are a key player in the conservation of the historic
environment of Wales. It is widely recognised that there is a need
for more knowledge and specialist expertise to assist this process.
Capacity building within local authorities is therefore a crucial
part of this process as well as encouraging and supporting "Historic
Environment Champions" from the members and officers.
A prosperous
society
The need for good quality historic environment information and advice
needs to be recognised as crucial to ensuring informed decision
making as part of the planning process. Organisation and delivery
There is a need for more cross sector awareness and working. This
could be facilitated through support for improved networking of
professional and voluntary groups.
A confident
nation
In order to protect what makes Wales distinctive we must understand
what makes it distinctive. Continuing research and investigation
of all aspects of the historic environment, including characterisation,
are therefore crucial to ensuring that there is a living and vibrant
connection of the historic environment with distinctiveness and
identity in Wales.
If you require
any further information please do not hesitate to contact me, as
I would be happy to discuss any of the above comments further.
Louise
Austin Chair ALGAO:Cymru
Consultations
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