Regional conservation of the archaeology of the Pays de la Loire

The missions of the regional conservation of archaeology are organized around five main themes.

Programming, licensing and scientific control
The regional conservation of archaeology conducts the policy of detection and study of the regional archaeological heritage. It programs, authorizes and exercises scientific control over archaeological operations carried out, preventive and programmed. It ensures the study of incidental archaeological discoveries.
All research is subject to a double scientific evaluation, that of the regional conservation of archaeology and that of the interregional commission of archaeological research (CIRA).

The realization of the national archaeological map
The regional conservation of archaeology updates the national archaeological map which gathers all available data relating to the archaeological heritage: known archaeological sites, operations carried out, protective measures.
In constant evolution, the archaeological map restores a state of knowledge in a given territory. It is both a research tool for archaeologists and an archaeological heritage management tool.

Protection of heritage
The regional conservation of archaeology ensures the knowledge of information related to the archaeological heritage.
It defines zones of presumption of archaeological prescription or ZPPA.
It initiates criminal action in case of clandestine archaeological excavations, destruction of remains or use of metal detectors without authorization.

Heritage conservation
The regional conservation of archaeology is the recipient and responsible for all documentation resulting from archaeological research: archaeological furniture, scientific documentation and operations reports.
It checks the classification and packaging of this documentation. It ensures the conservation, restoration and consultation of this documentation and ensures the application of the property regime specific to archaeological remains.

Dissemination and exploitation
Regional archaeological conservation supports the scientific and cultural enhancement of archaeological heritage. It organizes the Regional Archaeological Days every year and ensures the publication of the Regional Scientific Review. It supports research dissemination activities: publications, symposia, exhibitions.