MANEJO DEL RECURSO ARQUEOLóGICO EN RAPA NUI: TEORíA Y REALIDAD

this paper represents a personal approach to the situation than affect the archaeological sites on easter island, after a seven years experience as administrator of the rapa nui national park (1993-1999). it compares the utopic regulations, laws and international treaties concerning the protection of the rapanui heritage with the historical management of the island and the real treatment of the archaeological patrimony. this situation is seen as a serious threat to the sustainable development of the island, for it is the archaeological tourism the only industry of the island