Repatriation is playing an increasingly important role with regard to biological, paleontological and geological specimens. Around the world, there are growing restrictions on the export of a wide range of specimens and artifacts from countries with rich cultural and natural resources. Using the history of events in archaeology as a case study, we can soon expect that these same countries will be asking for the return of important items such as type specimens, endangered or extinct species, meteorites, and significant fossils. Museums with systematic international collections must actively recognize and even anticipate the concerns and needs of resource rich countries. They must find ways to provide stronger support for local institutions and collections facilities in those countries and develop programs that will facilitate eventual repatriation discussions, migrate the impact of repatriation, and obviate the need for repatriation in the future.