C. Beltrame
Underwater Cultural Heritage 2001 Convention
The Underwater Cultural Heritage is the witness of our common memory.
Oceans, seas, lakes, rivers and streams hide a treasure trove of heritage - from shipwrecks and artworks to everyday objects. Today, however, these underwater artefacts are in danger, due to looting, exploitation of marine resources, climate disruption, and pollution.
UNESCO seeks to protect and raise awareness of these traces of the past, which tell a unique tale of humanity. Our 2001 Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage establishes a common framework for the identification, preservation and sustainability of objects that have been immersed for at least 100 years.
UNESCO
Key numbers
Event
Publications
Underwater cultural heritage (UCH) related legislation and programme review in the five countries in Micronesia
2018
UNESCO
Report on underwater cultural heritage education and training in the Arab Region
2021
UNESCO
The UNESCO training manual for the protection of the underwater cultural heritage in Latin America and the Caribbean
2021
UNESCO
Underwater Cultural Heritage and Small Island Developing States
2014
Training manual for the UNESCO foundation course on the protection and management of underwater cultural heritage in Asia and the Pacific
2012