National Heritage Act (No. 23 of 2017).

The objectives of this Act are: (I) to preserve objects and places of cultural significance which have lasting value and provide evidence of the origins of Nauruans as a distinct society; (II) to protect and maintain all Nauruan Heritage Site and objects of heritage; and (III) provide for the establishment and maintenance of such Nauruan objects of heritage that have a significant cultural, national, historical importance or interest for the benefit of the present and future generations of Nauru. The Director of National Heritage shall establish an office and the Register of all Nauruan Heritage sites and objects of heritage to implement the objectives of this Act. The responsibilities and duties of the Office of the Director shall be to identify, record, investigate, assess, list, protect and conserve historic places, historic areas, or enter such places which have heritage value; to continue and maintain the Nauru’s National Heritage List; and to carry out activities in order to strengthen public participation and raise public awareness. Furthermore, this Act lays down rules for the duties, responsibilities and authorities of the Director; vesting of all heritage objects to Nauru; acquisition and safe keeping of objects of heritage; declaration of areas around cultural objects as protected area or prohibited area; prohibition on removal of object of heritage; licensing for excavation operation; and offences and penalties. The Cabinet may make regulations prescribing all matters necessary or convenient to give effect to this Act.