Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage

Background of the Authority

 The history of the present Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage dates back to the establishment of the Institute of Archeology in collaboration with the French Archaeological mission in 1952. Latter in 1966, the Government of Ethiopia set up Ethiopian Antiquities Administration with various functionaries (e.g. archaeological research, preservation and restoration of monuments and antiquities as well as museum management). In 1974 the administration became one department of the ministry of culture and sports affairs with additional responsibility for arts, and all aspects of traditional culture.   

A further reorganization took place in 1976 with the creation of the Center for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage under the aforementioned Ministry. This new center originally comprised work sections like Archaeology, Anthropology and Paleontology, Monument and Object Preservation, Museum, and several sections including photographic unit. An Inventory and Inspection section was added as one section of the then center for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage (CRCCH) in 1978.When the Ministry of Culture and Sports Affairs amalgamated with Ministry of Information in 1995, the Center became an autonomous institution directly accountable to the Ministry of Information and Culture.

 Finally the center was upgraded to the Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage (ARCCH) by proclamation No 209/2000. Beginning from 16 October 2001 the accountability of the Authority has been transferred to the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture due to the restructuring program of the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

 The Authority is organized under six departments namely:  The National Museum of Ethiopia, Archaeology and Paleontology, Cultural Anthropology, Heritage Restoration and Conservation, Inventory and Inspection of Cultural Heritage and Heritage Research & Central Documentation as well as five supportive services, (Administration and Finance, International and Public Relation, Planning and Programming,  Law and Auditing).  
The Authority has also a Coordinating Office for the National & World Heritage Sites of Ethiopia as well as Office of the Civil Service Reform Programme.

Objectives of the Authority

The Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage has the following objectives:

 Powers and Duties of the Authority

The Authority shall have the following powers and duties:

1. Registers Cultural Heritage in cooperation with the appropriate bodies; 

2. Protects and supervises Cultural Heritages;

3. Gives the necessary education on preserving of Cultural Heritages;

4. Collects Cultural Heritages in Museum and displays for visitors and also organizes exhibition;

5. Carries out study and research on Cultural Heritages;

6. Gives permission for Cultural Heritages restoration and conservation work;

7. Controls illicit trafficking and looting of Cultural Heritages, and take all the necessary measures and devises ways for the restitution of Cultural Heritages, which have been taken illegally out of the country;

8. Provides professional and technical support for preservation and protection of Cultural Heritages as well as for study and research activities conducted on some Regional Administration;