The President of Kazakhstan has approved amendments concerning the protection of historical and cultural heritage sites and educational services, according to information provided by the press service of the head of state.
The adopted amendments introduce new requirements:
- for the qualifications of specialists responsible for the protection of historical and cultural monuments;
- for the activities of the newly established National Archaeological Service, including the creation of a repository for findings and the regulation of its operations.
The laws signed by the President aim to streamline archaeological research and enhance the protection of cultural heritage sites. These changes were developed in accordance with the directives of the President, voiced at the National Kurultai on March 15, 2024, and create a unified approach to regulating archaeological work, as well as to preserving and utilizing archaeological heritage.
The protection of historical and cultural heritage and the regulation of archaeological work are key to maintaining national identity and historical memory. The head of state has repeatedly emphasized the importance of organizing the archaeological sector, increasing the accountability of all participants, and preventing the loss of cultural values. Previous regulations did not provide sufficient coordination of archaeological work and accounting for identified sites.
The updated version of the law provides for the improvement of the licensing system in the field of protection and use of historical and cultural heritage, as well as a review of qualification requirements for issuing licenses. The powers of the National Archaeological Service are established for coordinating work and providing scientific, consulting, and informational-analytical support.
Additionally, the law introduces the creation of a Unified Automated Information System for archaeological work, which will collect data on cultural heritage sites identified during research, ensuring transparency and the preservation of information.
The document also clarifies the procedure for allocating land plots with mandatory consideration of historical and cultural expertise, as well as regulating issues related to the transfer, storage, and use of archaeological finds and materials. The creation of a National Depository for the centralized collection and storage of mass archaeological finds is also provided for.
The adopted changes take into account the specifics of archaeological research, including the distinction between planned and unplanned (preventive) studies, and establish uniform requirements for the actions of organizations and the use of technical means during excavations. This contributes to the creation of a clearer and more understandable regulatory system in this area.
The law signed by the President aims to form a modern and responsible approach to the protection of historical and cultural heritage, creating conditions for the preservation of archaeological values and the development of scientific potential in Kazakhstan.
