The 2001 Convention
Recognizing that underwater cultural heritage is largely undervalued, the 2001 Convention provides a common legally binding framework for States Parties on how to better identify, research and protect their underwater heritage while ensuring its preservation and sustainability. Adopted on 2 November 2001 at the 31st General Conference of UNESCO, the Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage urges States to take all appropriate measures to protect underwater heritage.
Underwater cultural heritage is defined as all traces of human existence of a cultural, historical or archaeological nature which, for at least 100 years, have been partially or totally immersed, periodically or permanently, under the oceans and in lakes and rivers.
The protection and preservation of underwater cultural heritage as historical relics allow for a better knowledge and appreciation of past culture, history and science. Understanding and conserving underwater cultural heritage, a particularly vulnerable heritage, also helps us understand climate change and rising sea levels. Educational and recreational, heritage and its responsible access contribute to the construction of peaceful and united societies.
Underwater cultural heritage faces multiple threats such as treasure hunts, looting and commercial exploitation. Environmental degradation also endangers its preservation in addition to technological advances that drive coastal development and exploitation of marine resources.
Thus, the 2001 Convention is fully in line with the sustainable development objectives defined in the United Nations Agenda 2030.