kulttuuriperintölaki

Kulttuuriperintölaki, or the Finnish Heritage Law, is the primary legislation in Finland governing the protection and management of cultural heritage. Enacted in 2015, it replaced earlier legislation and consolidated various aspects of heritage protection under a single framework. The law aims to safeguard tangible and intangible cultural heritage for future generations and to promote its accessibility and understanding.

The scope of the law covers a wide range of heritage, including archaeological sites, historical buildings, cultural landscapes, and movable cultural property. It defines responsibilities for various stakeholders, including the state, municipalities, landowners, and heritage institutions. The Finnish Heritage Agency, a government body, plays a central role in implementing and overseeing the law, including maintaining registers of protected sites and objects.

Key provisions of the law include requirements for impact assessments for projects that might affect cultural heritage, rules for the excavation and handling of archaeological finds, and regulations concerning the preservation and use of protected buildings. It also addresses the protection of intangible cultural heritage, such as traditions, knowledge, and skills. The law emphasizes cooperation and participation in heritage management, encouraging dialogue between different actors. Penalties are stipulated for violations of the law.