Political work
As an independent society, Swiss Archaeology actively advocates for archaeological cultural heritage in politics. We develop and communicate positions on current issues and developments, often in close cooperation with other partners. Our political commitment has a concrete impact, for example on legislation relating to the protection and preservation of monuments, on the funding of the work of state specialist departments, or on the research and promotion of archaeological heritage.
Through consultations, we give voice to the concerns of archaeology in the democratic legislative process at both federal and cantonal level.
Joining Swiss Archaeology
Convinced of our work? Become part of Swiss Archaeology – support us with your membership or with a donation, read about the latest discoveries in our publications and meet with us at our events.
Let’s go!Climate change and renewable energies
The great challenges of our time, especially climate change and our rapidly changing living environment, are also forcing archaeology to take action. Climate change poses a direct threat to the archaeological heritage: melting glaciers expose sensitive prehistoric remains. Falling groundwater levels are causing wetland settlements to dry out.
Natural and cultural heritage are equally threatened by landscape change, advancing construction activity and other interests of land use. We advocate solutions that combine the protection of our nature and the use of renewable energies with the protection of cultural heritage.
Swiss Archaeology is involved in the Klimaoffensive Baukultur (Climate Initiative Building Culture), in which organisations from the field of building culture are actively committed to the goal of net zero by 2050.
Building culture, «Baukultur»
With the Davos Declaration of 2018 and the adoption of the strategy Baukultur 2020, Switzerland has committed itself to the sustainable promotion of a high level of building culture in Switzerland. The concept of Baukultur (building culture) is based on a comprehensive understanding of the building influences of man on his environment. This includes not only the built environment but also the landscape and everything in between – including the archaeological heritage. Swiss Archaeology is engaged in a dialogue with the diverse actors of Baukultur and advocates for an active and perceptible role of archaeology in Baukultur.
Kulturbotschaft
In the Cultural Dispatch («Kulturbotschaft»), the Confederation sets out the guidelines and financial resources for the promotion of culture for a four-year period. In the Dispatch 2021-24, the Confederation is committed to promoting a high level of Baukultur. However, the decline in funding for archaeological measures and restoration of historical monuments, which was already implemented in previous messages, could only be slowed down slightly.
Alliance Patrimoine
Swiss Archaeology is a member of Alliance Patrimoine. Since 2013, the organisation has represented the interests of cultural heritage vis-à-vis politicians and the public. Other members of Alliance Patrimoine are the Gesellschaft für Schweizerische Kunstgeschichte GSK, the Schweizer Heimatschutz SHS, the Nationale Informationsstelle zum Kulturerbe NIKE and, as an associate member, the Konferenz der Schweizer Denkmalpfleger KSD.
Associations’ right of appeal
According to the Nature and Cultural Heritage Protection Act Art. 12a., various organisations active throughout Switzerland, designated by the Federal Council, are entitled to the associations’ right of appeal and to comment on projects and decisions of the cantonal or federal authorities. With this important instrument, Swiss Archaeology can demand compliance with the legal basis, for example in building and planning projects.