http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/13/opinion/13atwood.html
This New York Times article by Roger Atwood, author of the excellent book Stealing History: Tomb Raiders, Smugglers and the Looting of the Ancient World, explains the importance of involving local people to combat looting. Archaeologically rich areas, such as Peru and Iraq, are commonly impoverished. Unfortunately, poverty can lead to the exploitation of an area's cultural heritage for financial gain of residents. Education of local people and the development of responsible archaeological tourism are both excellent ways to combat looting. In Iraq, tourism cannot be developed like it has been in Peru. However, education and involvement of local people can instill pride in Iraq's heritage. Those who have pride in their cultural heritage are much less likely to loot archaeological sites.
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