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The Council of Europe is firmly committed to safeguarding and enhancing the archaeological heritage of this continent.
Conventions, Resolutions and Recommendations offer guidance and practical support for protecting a common good which,
without doubt, is a work of art, but also a source of European collective memory and a challenge for historical and
scientific study. The Malta Convention of 1992 sets the framework for collective and individual responsibilities and concrete action. And action is urgently needed: what for ages lay well preserved under ground or water is seriously threatened now, falls victim all too often to grandiose development schemes promising progress, growth and well-being for all. Defending the past - a lost battle then? The present exhibition is proof of the contrary. It sets an example of intelligent and continuous co-operation between, on the one hand, a major industrial firm committed to creating an important infra-structural service, a gas pipeline which eventually will link four countries, and on the other hand, the scientists, committed to saving, studying and presenting to the public the finds which come to light. The treasures unearthed and restored by expert hands, speak for themselves. However, what makes this exhibition unique is the dedication of the promoter to fully assume his responsibility towards the society of Europeans who consider the cultural heritage as being their common good, no less important for the shaping of their future than the abundant energy the project promises. It is therefore my pleasure to welcome this exhibition to the Council of Europe, wishing it full success and encouraging others to follow the good example.
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The construction of the Jamal-Europe gas pipeline is one of the largest power engineering projects of the late 20th century. The pipeline will supply western and central Europe with gas from one of the world's largest stores of this natural resource. Its route runs through Russia, Byelorussia, Poland and Germany. This international development, in which EuRoPol Gaz S.A. is participating by building two parallel courses of the pipeline (measuring in total over 1300 km in length) across Poland, is not only of significance to our country's economy, but also serves as a symbolic reminder of our efforts to become fully integrated with Europe. This is exactly the sort of development which will, in future, play a key role in shaping our united Europe. The execution of this project in Poland came about at a time when the country was experiencing a period of political transformation, and hence frequent modifications to its economic laws. Going ahead with a development when faced with constantly changing legal regulations, or often no relevant legislation at all, is a difficult process. The gas pipeline development is of great importance not only for Poland, but for the whole of Europe - in December 1994 the Council of Europe recognized it as a priority project and included it on the list of Trans-European Networks. Therefore, we felt compelled to make sure that the pipeline would be built in compliance with the very highest standards, not only in terms of the technology applied in its construction but also in respect of ecological and archaeological issues. This approach led to a new model of cooperation being established between the developer and the Polish archaeologists conducting rescue excavations along the route of the gas pipeline. EuRoPol Gaz drafted and implemented a comprehensive research programme designed to protect the relict remains of our common cultural heritage from being lost without trace. We are very proud to be able to present the results of our joint work in this exceptional exhibition and sincerely hope that visitors will take this opportunity to enjoy a voyage of discovery into the past. |
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Daniel Tarschys |
Kazimierz Adamczyk |
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