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“The sea is the largest museum in the world”, this quote often ascribed to the archaeologist Salomon Reinach reminds us that under water, be it rivers, lakes or oceans, lay countless cultural treasures, some of which have already been uncovered, others yet to be discovered, but all of which must be protected.

These various submerged archaeological remains (wrecks, isolated archaeological finds, sunken infrastructures, submerged caves, etc.), genuine time capsules, bear witness to the practices and customs of past societies. 

However, the fortune of this sunken but preserved beneath the wave’s heritage, also causes its misfortune. Underwater heritage is one of the least known because it is hidden from view. However, its protection passes, in particular, by its promotion. This is why the 2001 Convention, “convinced of the importance of research, information and education to the protection and preservation of underwater cultural heritage, […] [and] of the public’s right to enjoy the educational and recreational benefits of responsible non-intrusive access to in situ underwater cultural heritage, and of the value of public education to contribute to awareness, appreciation and protection of that heritage, […] [expects that] each State Party shall take all practicable measures to raise public awareness regarding the value and significance of underwater cultural heritage and the importance of protecting it under this Convention” (art. 20).

It is therefore essential to ensure that this cultural heritage is visible to as many people as possible.

In this regard, access to underwater cultural heritage for all audiences:

• provides local communities with a tangible connection to their past, helps stimulate interest in underwater heritage and therefore its respect and protection;
• can be an essential economic asset for the local tourism industry; 
• ensures the conservation of underwater cultural sites and archaeological artefacts; 
• can contribute to financing its protection and research.