2BFOREST launches a support service for owners in supporting the management of archaeological heritage, within the scope of the legislation applicable to the conservation of cultural and archaeological heritage.
Under national legislation and forest certification, it is necessary to ensure the conservation of archaeological heritage and, in this sense, 2BFOREST, through dedicated and trained professionals, provides specialized support in the management of archaeological heritage.
What is Archaeological Heritage?
According to article 74, no. 107/2001, of the Basic Law on Cultural Heritage, Archaeological Heritage is a finite and non-renewable cultural resource, which includes all traces, assets and other evidence, whose preservation and study allow us to trace the history of life and humanity and its relationship with the environment.
The remains are very varied and extensive, sometimes not easily identifiable on the ground. They can include structures, buildings, architectural groups, movable property, and other monuments, such as stratified deposits; whether in rural or urban settings, on the ground, underground, or underwater.
This means that archaeological heritage is national heritage, since it constitutes testimonies with value of civilization or culture, and reflects values of memory, antiquity, authenticity, originality, rarity, singularity, or exemplarity, and it is the State's responsibility to archive, preserve, manage, enhance and disseminate it.
How can I know if I have an archaeological site on my land?
To obtain this information, access the Archaeologist Portal: http:// arqueologia.patrimoniocultural.pt.
Then click on the top horizontal tab where it says GeoportalA map will open showing the location of all archaeological sites in Portugal that have been identified and registered on the portal.
This information is also available at ForestSIM, certified forest management support platform, which owners with certified forest areas in 2b_Forest_Group have access to.
Why safeguard archaeological heritage?
Remember that preventive and planned action, together with a prior assessment of the possible impacts of forestry operations on Archaeological Heritage, which guarantees its safeguarding and its integration into planning, will necessarily be more advantageous and less costly for you than subsequent action, aggravated by the destruction of remains and the consequent imposition of measures to minimize damage and other legal consequences. The destruction of archaeological heritage, remains, goods or other evidence is a crime punishable by law.
