Compliance-based archaeological heritage management and place-based participatory mapping for negotiated outcomes

Abstract

This paper examines how place-based participatory mapping in a commercial context creates a framework for negotiated outcomes in the protection and management of cultural heritage. The analysis presents a critical reflection on two case studies from southwest Western Australia, with particular focus on how the work was undertaken in a commercial context, and the contrasting outcomes between the case studies. The approach directly addresses many of the limitations of compliance-based (or commercial) heritage management, with greater scope to integrate traditional owner values and knowledge. The negotiation of archaeological and Aboriginal values, regulatory frameworks and the aspirations of proponents can pose a range of ethical, theoretical, methodological and practical challenges. These challenges are best met by further development of participatory approaches via practical application and a commitment by consulting archaeologists to work beyond compliance, towards best practice solutions through negotiated outcomes.