WORLD ARCHAEOLOGY DAY

claire.smith@flinders.com.au and cafoloso@hotmail.com

The World Archaeological Congress calls upon UNESCO to declare a World
Archaeology Day.

"The idea of a World Archaeology Day was proposed by colleagues from
Africa, an area of the world where cultural heritage is under dire
threat from looting, tourism and government neglect," said Professor
Smith, President of the World Archaeological Congress.

"A World Archaeology Day would follow on from previous UNESCO
declarations of an International Museum Day and a World Tourism Day."

"A day that is devoted to appreciation of the worth of archaeology will
enhance public understanding of the value of archaeology as a tool for
unearthing our human past, and this will lead to greater protection of
cultural heritage across the globe," said Professor Bayo Folorunso, of
Nigeria, the Vice-President of the World Archaeological Congress.