Petition richtet sich an: Government of the Canton of Schaffhausen

The recent austerity measures ESH4 (EP2014) adopted by the government propose that the annual budget of the Canton of Schaffhausen Archaeology Department be halved until the year 2018. Permanent positions will be reduced by more than 70% and temporary annual contracts will not be renewed. This will ultimately impede the ability of the canton to meet its statutory duty to protect and preserve the rich archaeological heritage of Schaffhausen.

In the future, the cultural legacies of regional, national and international importance could be surrendered to destruction, decay and illegal excavations pot-hunting. Many communities will turn into archaeological no man's land because the Canton of Schaffhausen Archaeology Department will no longer be able to provide its service. Massive delays in construction projects will become inevitable.

We, the undersigned, demand the Government,

• to revise its decision and to abandon the intended budget and staff cuts in ESH4 regarding the Canton of Schaffhausen Archaeology Department

• to acknowledge the origins and history of Schaffhausen and assume the responsibilities for the cultural heritage of the Canton of Schaffhausen.