ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the incorporation of local communities in Archaeological Impact Assessment (AIA) processes, and is based on qualitative research conducted in Botswana. It demonstrates that communities can be successfully and meaningfully involved in AIAs from the conceptualization of the projects to their conclusion and dissemination of information. This makes communities meaningful partners in practice of archaeology as well as in development, and places them at the nexus of decision-making processes that determine the future heritage resource database. In terms of impact assessments, the communities studied accepted that there is need to balance the interests of heritage and development. They stated that because their cultural values are manifested across landscapes replete with archaeological, historical and contemporary cultural resources, they must be involved in salvaging this heritage in case of AIAs. Assessment of impact on archaeological and heritage resources should consider relationship and attachment local communities have to such resources, and regard these as integral in impact assessment and decision-making processes.
