Cultural Heritage Act (Act No. VI of 2002).

This Act constitutes the reference legislative framework in matter of cultural heritage in Malta. It is divided into eleven parts, as follows: (I) Preliminary; (II) Principles and general duties; (III) Constitution, composition and functions of entities; (IV) Administrative and personnel provisions; (V) Financial provisions; (VI) Conservation professionals; (VII) Special powers of the State; (VIII) Religious cultural heritage; (IX) Offences; (X) Regulations; (XI) Miscellaneous. As a general principle, every person in Malta shall have the duty to protect the cultural heritage as well as the right to benefit from this cultural heritage (art. 5). The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage is created under Part III. Its task shall be to fulfill the duties of the State to ensure the protection and accessibility of cultural heritage. The functions are listed with detail in article 7. Particular regard is to be given to article 43, which establishes that all excavations or explorations of land as well as in the territorial waters or contiguous zone of Malta can only be made by the Superintendent or with the written permission of the Superintendent.