Cultural Heritage Act (Act No. VI of 2002). Country/Territory Malta Document type Legislation Date 2002 Source FAO, FAOLEX Long titleAn Act to make provision in place of the Antiquities (Protection) Act, Cap. 54 for the superintendence, conservation and management of cultural heritage in Malta and for matters ancillary thereto or connected therewith. Subject Sea, Wild species & ecosystems Keyword Maritime zone Basic legislation Cultural heritage Institution Management/conservation Geographical area Europe, Europe and Central Asia, European Union Countries, Mediterranean, Southern Europe Abstract This Act constitutes the reference legislative framework in matter of cultural heritage in Malta. It is divided into eleven parts, as follows: (I) Preliminary; (II) Principles and general duties; (III) Constitution, composition and functions of entities; (IV) Administrative and personnel provisions; (V) Financial provisions; (VI) Conservation professionals; (VII) Special powers of the State; (VIII) Religious cultural heritage; (IX) Offences; (X) Regulations; (XI) Miscellaneous. As a general principle, every person in Malta shall have the duty to protect the cultural heritage as well as the right to benefit from this cultural heritage (art. 5). The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage is created under Part III. Its task shall be to fulfill the duties of the State to ensure the protection and accessibility of cultural heritage. The functions are listed with detail in article 7. Particular regard is to be given to article 43, which establishes that all excavations or explorations of land as well as in the territorial waters or contiguous zone of Malta can only be made by the Superintendent or with the written permission of the Superintendent. Full text English Website www.legal-malta.com References - Legislation Amended by Act No. XII of 2005. Legislation | Malta | 2005 Keyword: Cultural heritage, Institution, Management/conservation Source: FAO, FAOLEX