The philosophy for Cultural Resource Management revolves around the preservation, conservation, and responsible management of cultural heritage resources, while promoting understanding, appreciation, and sustainable use. The key aspects of this philosophy and principles for Cultural Resource Management are:

• Preservation and Conservation
• Sustainable Use
• Collaboration and Partnerships
• Community Engagement and Empowerment
• Education and Outreach
• Ethical Conduct
• Research and Documentation
• Public Access and Interpretation
• Adaptive Management
• Advocacy and Policy Development

The goal is preservation and conservation, to preserve cultural heritage resources, including archaeological sites, historic buildings, artifacts, and cultural landscapes, to ensure their long-term survival and integrity. This involves implementing strategies for site stabilization, preventive maintenance, and restoration.

Cultural resources should be managed in a way that allows for their sustainable use, promoting tourism, education, research, and community engagement while ensuring their preservation and minimizing negative impacts. Balancing the economic benefits with the need for conservation is crucial.

Foster collaboration and partnerships among diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, indigenous groups, academia, and non-profit organizations, to work collectively in the management, interpretation, and promotion of cultural heritage resources. This includes shared decision-making and resource-sharing.

Engage local communities and stakeholders in decision-making processes, valuing their knowledge, perspectives, and traditional practices. Empower local communities to actively participate in the preservation and management of their cultural heritage, enhancing their sense of ownership and pride.

Promote education and awareness about cultural heritage, its significance, and the importance of its preservation. Conduct outreach programs, workshops, and public events to engage the public and raise awareness about the value and fragility of cultural resources. This includes educational materials and interpretive signage.

Uphold ethical conduct principles and professional standards in the management of cultural resources, respecting the rights, beliefs, and values of local communities and indigenous groups. Implement measures to prevent looting, illegal excavation, and illicit trade of cultural artifacts, and ensure proper care and handling of artifacts.

Conduct research, documentation, and inventorying of cultural resources to enhance knowledge and understanding. Utilize scientific methods and technology to investigate and interpret cultural heritage resources, contributing to the broader understanding of human history and cultural diversity.

Ensure public access to cultural heritage resources while providing interpretation, information, and educational materials to enhance visitors’ understanding and appreciation of the cultural significance and history of the resources. This may include visitor centers, guided tours, and digital resources.

Implement adaptive management strategies to address changing conditions and challenges in the preservation and management of cultural resources. Continuously assess and adapt management approaches to ensure their effectiveness and long-term sustainability. This includes monitoring and adjusting conservation plans as needed.

Advocate for policies, laws, and regulations that support the preservation, conservation, and responsible management of cultural resources. Contribute to the development of best practices, guidelines, and standards in Cultural Resource Management, and participate in advocacy efforts to protect cultural heritage at local, national, and international levels.

By adhering to these principles, Cultural Resource Management aims to ensure the preservation, conservation, and sustainable use of cultural heritage resources, fostering appreciation, understanding, and enjoyment of cultural diversity and history for present and future generations.