Zgodovina in praksa pogodbene arheologije v Namibiji

This article traces how contract archaeology in Namibia emerged and consolidated after 1990 at the intersection of environmental regulation, donor requirements, and large-scale development – especially mining and energy infrastructure. It shows that, for decades, practice was largely self-regulated in the absence of national guidelines, drawing authority from Environmental Impact Assessments and the National Heritage Act. Comparing regional standards (e.g. SAHRA, ASAPA), the paper argues for clear standard operating procedures, professional accreditation, and capacity building to ensure ethical, consistent work that contributes to scholarship and community engagement. It concludes that Namibia now has an opportunity to professionalise the field, leverage ‘grey literature’ for research, and align heritage protection with sustainable development.