This Act provides for the conservation and preservation of heritage.
The Act provides for the appointment by the Minister of the Commissioner of Heritage and defines its functions, which include: to determine the designation of sites, registration of objects and underwater cultural heritage; to establish and maintain the Register; to supervise and oversee the conservation, preservation, restoration, maintenance, promotion, exhibition and accessibility of heritage; to promote and facilitate any research relating to heritage; to authorize, monitor and supervise excavations for heritage purposes; and to promote and regulate that best standards and practices are applied in the conservation and preservation of heritage.
The Act further provides for the establishment of a National Heritage Council which shall advice the Minister and the Commissioner on all matters relating to heritage, and the due administration and enforcement of laws relating to heritage.
The Act further provides for: the designation of heritage sites; preparation of conservation management plans; heritage objects and procedures for their registration; underwater cultural heritage; powers of the Minister to declare any heritage site, object of underwater cultural heritage as a National Heritage; procedures and requirements for obtaining licences for the export, import, or excavation of heritage items; offences; etc.
This Act incorporates all amendments up to 1 June 2006.This Act repeals the Antiquities Act, 1976 (Act No. 168) and the Treasure Trove Act, 1957 (Act No. 542).