Service régional de l'archéologie (SRA) des Hauts-de-France

All remains and other traces of the existence of humanity, including the preservation and study, including excavations or discoveries, constitute elements of the archaeological heritage, to trace the development of human history and its relationship to the natural environment» art. L - 510-1 of the Heritage Code.

The Regional Archaeology Service, headed by a regional archaeology curator, is composed of archaeologists (curators, research or engineering engineers, engineering assistants and research technicians) and administrative officers, spread over the two DRAC sites in Lille and Amiens.

Inventory and study

The risk assessment of development projects is based on the archaeological map which gathers all the information on archaeological sites known through surveys, incidental discoveries, excavations, bibliographic recounts and archival studies. The Regional Service of Archaeology investigates the authorizations of operation and ensures the scientific control.

At regional level, it coordinates theprogrammed archaeology, in consultation with the Territorial Commission for Archaeological Research (CTRA) Centre-Nord. Archaeologists from the Regional Archaeology Service also participate in the Joint Research Units (UMR) du CNRS that bring together researchers from different backgrounds around a curriculum.

Protect and conserve

SFA ensures the protection of archaeological heritage based on regulations. It participates in the investigation of development authorizations: when archaeological remains are likely to be reached, operations ofpreventive archaeology are prescribed. He is also responsible for the proper conservation of movable archaeological property (BAM) and excavation archives.    

Promote and enhance

Finally, the SRA organizes, conducts and supports notably financially, the exploitation of research and dissemination of its results, notably through publications. It is also involved in the many activities aimed at making the public aware of the results of regional research.

Partners

To carry out all these missions, the SRA works closely with all the scientists, volunteers and professionals involved in the field of regional archaeology. They are particularly numerous in Hauts-de-France with more than 500 professionals mainly attached to theNational Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP) to the archaeological services of local authorities, approved private operators and a few others at the CNRS and the University.

Within the DRAC, the Regional Archaeology Service is part of the Heritage and Architecture Cluster and works with other competent departments in the field of heritage protection, such as the Regional conservation of historical monuments (MHRC) and the Departmental units of architecture and heritage (UDAP) who participate in the promotion of heritage, architectural and urban quality, in the conservation and valorization of built heritage, as well as with the Museums advisors.

For more information, please visit:

Archaeology in France: missions and actors

Preventive archaeology: instructions for use

The section of the publications in Hauts-de-France of the Regional Archaeological Service