The aim of the article is to reflect the necessity of introducing objective criteria in articulating monetary value of the damage caused to archaeological sites (immovable cultural monuments) as a result of illegal activities. The research focuses on the damage assessment criteria and resulting diminishment of economic value that are used in several countries, as well as examines the key interests and stakeholders in damage assessment process and outcome. It further describes the corresponding situation in Latvia, determines the existing challenges and proposes the basis for improvement in administrative and legal procedures. Methods applied in the research are literature review, legal framework and documentary analysis, statistical analysis and elements of qualitative content analysis. International intercomparisons have been made consulting with foreign experts. The assay is mostly done from legal and socioeconomic point of view. The results of the research could be used for the purposes of amending legal regulation and damage assessment mechanisms.

Both movable and immovable cultural monuments provide opportunities to meet interests of many stakeholders – their owners and managers, local community, researchers, tourists, businesses, mass media, heritage institutions, etc., as well as so- ciety as a whole. Along with aesthetic, symbolic, educational, research, etc., interests, no less important are the economic ones induced by these monuments’ development potential. It is nevertheless widely acknowledged that investment in cultural heritage sites (including conservation, restoration, maintenance, marketing, etc.) may outweigh their direct economic benefits due to inevitable payments and obligations. Thus, the question arises: what are those factors that restrict and those that facilitate socio-eco- nomic development of the immovable cultural monument? Immovable monuments are divided into several typological groups, and the most numerous in Latvia are architectural monuments. Assuming that the effective- ness of development may depend on the type of the monument within one group, this article focuses primarily on manors as relatively numerous architectural monu- ments characteristic for Latvian regions (parishes) and valuable cultural-historical objects, representing large tourism potential. The article, analyzing the situation in Latvia and making international compari- sons, uses integrated socio-economic and legal approach to the researched issue. It provides both theoretical and practical insight into the actualities of manors’ devel- opment potential and possible solutions thereto.

The aim of the article is to reflect the currently existing regulatory environment for damages caused to archaeological sites by illegal human intervention and its implementation by law enforcement sector and the courts in Latvia. The article is mostly focused on legal and socio-economic consequences of endangerment of archaeological sites. It analyses liability aspects, examines case law, determines the existing challenges and proposes basis for improvement in administrative and legal procedures. Methods applied in the research are literature review, legal framework and documentary analysis, statistical and case law analysis. The results of the research could be used inter alia for the purposes of criminal, civil and administrative proceedings, amending legal regulation and damage assessment mechanisms.

Archaeological sites as part of cultural heritage satisfy a broad range of interests of different stakeholders. Along with satisfying cultural, social, scientific, etc., interests, their role is no less important in strategic socio-economic development.Unlocking asocio-economic potential of archaeological sites requires clear vision of how to conserve and protect each particular site, how and by what means to maintain and manage the object as well as what to do with it next. It is widely acknowledged that archaeological sites, in particular those having the status of archaeological monuments, play a socially important role, but their maintenance and development often require significant investment. While the laws make owners of archaeological sites, both private and public, solely responsible for conservation, restoration and maintenance of cultural monuments in their property, there should be appropriate mechanisms that mitigate the financial and legal burden and support owners along the way.Based on the review of legal regulation, scientific literature, information of the authorities and mass media, multiple expert interviews, consultations with professional archaeologists, and using an integrated socio-economic and legal approach to the researched issue, the article provides theoretical and practical insight into the actualities of archaeological heritage development potential in Latvia (making international comparisons) and possible solutions thereto.

Statistical data establish that prevention and combating of trafficking of cultural objects call for special attention in Latvia. Thefts of icons and paintings are characteristic of Latvia, as well as acquisition of architectural artefacts from illegal excavations. Cultural objects are frequently illegally obtained from private residences, churches and cemeteries. Despite technical and managerial improvements in the work of law enforcement bodies by 2009–2011, the level of illegal acquisition of cultural objects still remains high, while the number of recovered objects is minimal. Research data reveal that a solution of the situation is closely connected with strengthening of exchange of cooperation/information among the monitoring bodies, as well as among the monitoring bodies, owners/possessors of cultural objects and culture institutions. Greater attention should be paid to raising/enhancement of knowledge of the staff of the monitoring bodies and owners/possessors of cultural objects, development of international cooperation and the improvement of the legal framework.