Functions of NICH

(1) The general functions of NICH under this Act shall be to promote and encourage the preservation, promotion and maintenance of heritage assets for the benefit and enjoyment of the present and future generations of the people of Belize and to ensure that the character of such assets is protected and that future changes made to them do not result in the loss of their significance. NICH. National Cultural Heritage 12 (2) Without limiting the generality of its powers under sub- section (1), NICH shall– (a) provide leadership in the preservation of (b) recommend to the Minister the designation of heritage assets and where necessary, whether or not such assets should be acquired by the (c) liaise with other government and international organizations with respect to cooperation in, and protection of, heritage assets; (d) after consultation with the Council, advise the Minister on the need for enforcing urgent repair or conservation works on heritage assets, in accordance with this Act as well as the need for acquisition of historical buildings or other assets by the Government for the better protection and conservation of heritage (e) draw the attention of the Government or of any organization or person to any urgent action that may be required in the field of cultural (f) permanently preserve any heritage assets of interest as far as practicable, retaining their natural features and conserving any animal and plant life where necessary; (g) preserve, restore, reconstruct, rehabilitate, maintain, repair, and service heritage assets, where such assets comprise buildings, and National Cultural Heritage Preservation 13 augment the amenities of such buildings and their surroundings, or arrange to have such done; (h) provide information to the owners of designated heritage assets and other assets with demonstrated or likely research significance, about the need for protection of same, and the available means of protection; (i) encourage owners to preserve heritage assets intact and in place, and offer such owners information on assistance available for the preservation of same; (j) erect and maintain tablets to mark or commemorate heritage assets and events of national, historical or archaeological significance; (k) make provisions for the access to and enjoyment of heritage assets by the local public, tourists and other interested bodies; (l) promote and encourage research in the field of cultural heritage, in order to foster scientific, technical and artistic studies, as well as research methodologies, with a view to effectively safeguard the heritage assets; (m) secure, collate, compile, and drawings, plans, photographic or architectural records of heritage assets; (n) carry out necessary investigation and research relating to particular heritage assets to obtain true and accurate historical and archaeological National Cultural Heritage 14 facts, records, data and relevant information concerning the same; (o) operate and manage heritage assets acquired, designated or otherwise, together with lands and adjoining buildings for the benefit of the public, such authority to include the power to charge reasonable visitation fees and grant concessions, leases, or permits for the use of land, building space, roads, or trails when necessary or desirable, either to accommodate the public or to facilitate administration; (p) develop and promote an educational programme and service for the purpose of promoting public knowledge, education, appreciation and enjoyment of cultural including intangible cultural (q) endeavour to ensure the widest possible participation of communities, groups and where appropriate, individuals that create, maintain and transmit cultural heritage; (r) advise the Government on the conservation and preservation of heritage assets, and on any or all of the matters referred to in the above paragraphs; (s) safeguard the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge and skills that communities, groups and in some cases individuals, recognize as part of their cultural National Cultural Heritage Preservation 15 (t) solicit funds by means of subscription, donations, bequests and grants for the effective achievement of its objectives, and the implementation of this Act; (u) perform any other functions which may reasonably be required to full fill the objectives of this Act. (3) The duty of NICH to protect and conserve heritage assets shall include the duty to intervene in accordance with this Act whenever deemed fit, including in circumstances of misuse, lack of conservation, or application of wrong conservation methods. (4) The duty to protect shall also include the duty to encourage the sustainable use and maintenance of the heritage assets in accordance with the principles of integrated conservation. (5) NICH may consult and collaborate with and seek the advice of the Council with respect to any of its functions or any other matter under this Act. (6) A function of NICH under this Act shall not be interpreted as usurping or derogating from the powers of any other authority under any other Act, and where, but for this sub- section, a conflict between NICH and any other authority would exist, NICH shall make best efforts not to interfere with or otherwise affect the exercise of the powers of the other authority.