Sustainable Preservation Initiative

The Sustainable Preservation Initiative (SPI) is a joint program of the Cotsen Institute of Archaeology at the University of California, Los Angeles and the Archaeological Institute of America dedicated to preserving the world's cultural heritage by providing transformative and sustainable economic opportunities to local communities. SPI is focused on countries in the developing world, more particularly those that are not part by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development as well as Mexico, Greece and Turkey. Through various resources and outreach efforts, SPI seeks to encourage and develop sustainable economic development in the communities surrounding archaeological sites by aiding in the development of locally-owned businesses that maximize the spending of dollars in these communities and regions. Some manufacturing industries are aided as well, including local artisans. According to Felix Salmon of Reuters SPI is about taking archaeological sites and "sites in poor countries and making them generate cash for the locals — thereby giving them a real monetary incentive (rather than a high-minded lecture) aimed at preserving archeological treasures". This article notes that SPI is presently active in Peru and Armenia. The SPI mantra is "Saving Sites by Transforming Lives". The program's executive director is archaeologist Larry Coben.