Objectives

This voluntary commitment aims to enhance the protection, conservation, and sustainable management of underwater, marine, and coastal heritage through knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and international partnerships. Recognizing the cultural and ecological significance of these sites, the initiative seeks to:

1. Promote Awareness and Advocacy – Increase global recognition of the value of underwater cultural heritage (UCH) in marine biodiversity conservation, sustainable tourism, and the resilience of coastal communities, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

2. Strengthen Legal and Policy Frameworks – Support the implementation of the UNESCO 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage and its integration into national and regional policies, especially in SIDS and coastal nations.

3. Enhance Research and Documentation – Encourage the use of advanced technologies and traditional ecological knowledge for mapping, monitoring, and conservation, integrating indigenous knowledge systems into management strategies.

4. Facilitate Capacity-Building and Community Involvement – Provide training and resources to local stakeholders, ensuring active participation in heritage protection.

5. Foster Multistakeholder Partnerships – Engage governments, academia, indigenous groups, NGOs, and the private sector to develop collaborative networks for UCH protection.

Implementation Methodologies

• Legal and Policy Engagement: Collaborate with national governments, indigenous councils, and international organizations to strengthen legislation and governance frameworks.

• Indigenous and Local Knowledge Integration: Support community-led documentation and interpretation of UCH, incorporating oral histories and traditional maritime practices.

• Research and Innovation: Encourage interdisciplinary research combining scientific and traditional knowledge to develop holistic conservation approaches.

• Capacity-Building and Community-Led Initiatives: Conduct training workshops, participatory mapping projects, and knowledge-exchange programs that empower local communities, particularly in SIDS and indigenous coastal areas.

• Sustainable Tourism and Blue Economy Integration: Advocate for culturally sensitive, community-led tourism initiatives that support heritage conservation and economic sustainability.

• Partnership and Network Development: Establish regional collaborations among UCH experts, marine conservationists, and indigenous leaders to create inclusive decision-making structures and funding opportunities.

Follow-Up Mechanisms

to ensure long-term impact and accountability, the initiative will employ structured monitoring and reporting systems, including:

• Annual Progress Reports: Regular updates on activities, outcomes, and lessons learned shared with all partners and stakeholders.
• Community-Based Indicators: Development of performance indicators prioritizing local engagement, knowledge transmission, and cultural sustainability, alongside conservation metrics.
• Alignment with Global Agendas: Integration with SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 11.4 (Cultural Heritage Protection), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) to measure progress within a broader sustainable development framework.

Governance

The initiative will be coordinated through a multistakeholder advisory board comprising representatives from ICOMOS ICUCH, UNESCO, indigenous councils, SIDS heritage agencies, academic institutions, and local organizations. This governance structure will ensure:

• Strategic Oversight: Decision-making based on global best practices and community-led approaches to UCH protection.
• Transparency and Accountability: Participatory evaluation and public reporting mechanisms.
• Regional Coordination: Tailored conservation strategies addressing the specific cultural and environmental needs of SIDS, indigenous maritime communities, and coastal nations.