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Workshop I – Underwater Cultural Heritage and maritime landscapes: EU policies and strategies in the Mediterranean

Module 1- Underwater Cultural Heritage: EU policies and strategies in the Mediterranean (3h)

Trainer: Sónia Bombico (CIDEHUS & MED – University of Évora)

Module description:

Adopted in 2001, the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH) 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. The convention was promptly ratified by the Euro-Mediterranean countries, which are especially rich in underwater archaeological sites.

The principles of the UNESCO convention, including the protection and fight against commercial exploitation, international cooperation in the enhancement of UCH, and the collaboration between countries in the promotion of training, have been put into practice in the Mediterranean within the framework of projects funded by the European Union.

The Faro Convention on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society (Council of Europe, 2005) promotes a wider understanding of heritage and its relationship to communities and society. Consequently, in the last decade underwater cultural heritage has acquired an increasingly important role in sustainable development, especially by strengthening social participation in its protection and promoting cultural tourism.

This workshop will help to better understand EU policies on Underwater Cultural Heritage by analysing good practices and reflecting on challenges for the future.

Learning objectives:

  • Know the concepts and principles defined in the UNESCO Convention for the protection of UCH of 2001
  • Discuss EU Policies towards UCH;
  • Presenting case studies and good practices in the protection of UCH in the Mediterranean;
  • Analyse the protection of UCH in the context of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Workshop Format: Expository session and interactive class, group discussion in the classroom on previously suggested readings, research and exploration of online information.