ICUCH booth 

IKUWA 8 is one of the world’s leading forums for underwater archaeology and heritage management, bringing together academics, heritage professionals, and policymakers. The 2025 edition will focus on “Telling the Exciting Tales of Our Past”.

ICUCH had an information space dedicated to the International Committee on the Underwater Cultural Heritage (ICUCH) at the 8th International Congress for Underwater Archaeology (IKUWA 8) in Oostende. The congress took place at De Grote Post in Oostende, Belgium, from 13 to 17 October 2025.

Materials on underwater cultural heritage, activities of ICUCH, and collaborative opportunities were made available and visual and audiovisual resources on global projects were presented.  ICUCH also printed information on Underwater Cultural Heritage on pamphlets and had small items for participants accessible at the booth.  IKUWA 8 was a meeting point for engagement with the international underwater cultural heritage community.

ICUCH and UCH World Heritage Working Group at IKUWA 8 in Oostende

The International Committee on the Underwater Cultural Heritage, together with its World Heritage and Underwater Cultural Heritage Working Group, will host a dedicated session at the 8th International Congress for Underwater Archaeology (IKUWA 8).  The session, titled “Managing, Preserving and Integrating Underwater Cultural Heritage in World Heritage Sites”, will explore the links between the UNESCO World Heritage framework and the protection of underwater cultural sites.