Susana Labrador, the Formentera Council's secretary of culture, sat down earlier today with the man who owns the land where this February the partial remains of a Byzantine-era burial site were unearthed. The two put their signatures on what was described as a “cultural heritage deal” to prolong archaeological excavation of the necropolis.

In an area the limits of which have yet to be specifically defined, the landowner gives the Formentera Council permission to continue archaeological operations deemed “preventive” in order to study and document archaeological ruins on site. The deal also lays the groundwork for educational visits during the course of the dig.

The agreement also defines various actions required of the Council. First, the administration must foot the bill for an extensive archaeological study within boundaries to be laid out by a special committee. Then, it pledges to appropriately protect the site once excavation and study are complete.

Findings from the dig will join the future collection of the island's museum.