EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL FOR SPELEOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN GREECE discoveries are the main source or one of the main sources of scientific discovery, are considered an archaeological object. Therefore, according to this provision, any kind of object or finding and any trace of human existence (tools, bones, etc.) found in caves is considered an archaeological object. It is obvious therefore that with the previous institutional framework caves were considered not only as natural formations but also as a part of the cultural heritage and their protection, investigation, excavation and study was assigned to the Ministry of Culture. Law 3028/2002 on the protection of antiquities and, in general, of cultural heritage (Gov. Gazette A’153), known as the archaeological law, brought about changes in the concept of monuments. Thus, according to Article 2 par b) subparagraph aa) all cultural goods dating to the prehistoric, ancient, Byzantine and post-Byzantine times up to 1830, subject to the provisions of Article 20, are considered ancient; or ancient monuments. Ancient monuments include caves and paleontological remains, for which there is evidence that they are linked to human existence. From the wording of the above law, one concludes that there is an explicit distinction of caves in two categories a) those for which there is evidence that they are linked with human existence, and b) those for which there is no such evidence. Article 6 par 4 of the same law stipulates that “ancient monumental buildings are protected by law, without requiring the issue of any administrative act”, ie without requiring the issue of an act of monument characterization. Then in Article 7 par 1 there is a provision that “ancient monumental buildings dating back to 1453 are owned by the state and are things that can’t be subject to transactions or usucapion.” As a result, caves are included in the monumental ancient buildings dating before 1453, for which there is evidence that they are linked to human existence. The Ministry of Culture and Sports is the competent authority for the caves of this category, i.e. caves for which there are findings proving previous human presence. According to PD 4/2018 regarding the organizational chart of the Ministry of Culture (Gov. Gazette A’22) “the Ephorates of Palaeoanthropology – Speleology are responsible for caves and paleontological remains, for which there is evidence that they are linked with human existence; more specifically, for the identification, investigation, excavation, study as well as for the protection of caves and all kinds of findings found inside. They are also responsible for coordinating the paleoanthropological and paleontological research as well as for the promotion of the country’s speleological wealth”.
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