ABSTRACT
Wetland archaeology offers two primary types of unique data: that obtained through the preservation of the indicators of climatic and environmental fluctuations and that obtained through the exceptional preservation of organic remains. This chapter addresses issues associated with the archaeology of peat lands in the northern hemisphere. Wetland archaeology sites are found throughout the world and date throughout prehistoric and historical time periods. There are several strategies that should be developed to protect the archaeological heritage of wetland sites. First and foremost, public education and outreach is necessary if the data from wetland sites is not to be permanently lost. Secondly, wetland management programmes should be supported with the guidance of wetland archaeologists. There is an international convention on wetlands preservation, the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as wildlife habitats, referred to generally as the Convention of Wetlands. The archaeological heritage of wetlands is rarely considered within discussions of archaeological heritage management.
