Universal access to archaeological parks: a contested principle in the African context

Using the Salalah Guidelines for the Management of Public Archaeological Sites as a framework, this policy brief examines the conceptualisation of an archaeological park proposed by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) to question its relevance in the African context. It focuses on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage properties as designated areas which, while presenting particular challenges, are meant to represent examples of best practise in archaeological heritage management, to argue for the need to recognise other values of the sites, besides the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), and consider the issues of access within the local cultural contexts of the rightsholders.