Advocacy
Advocacy aimed at the better protection of underwater cultural heritage, has been a fundamental activity for ICUCH. Its expert members were intimately involved with the creation of the 2001 Convention, their creating the Sofia Charter (ICOMOS 1996) which described best practice, later forming the basis of the Annex rules to the 2001 Convention. ICUCH represents the soul of the 2001 Convention.
ICUCH’s advocacy now encompasses:
- Redressing the underrepresentation of UCH in World Heritage.
- Contributing to UCH site management plans, e.g. the Conservation Management Plan for the polar exploration vessel, Endurance
- Advocating for a non-commercial project for the investigation of the San Jose
- On request providing advice to the 2001 Convention Secretariat
What we do
Through international cooperation, research,
and advocacy, ICUCH works to ensure that underwater cultural heritage is safeguarded, studied, and passed on to future generations as a source of knowledge, identity, and inspiration.
ICUCH also serves as an advisory body to the Secretariat of the 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage. ICUCH contributed significantly to the
development of the Convention. Its 1996 ICOMOS Charter on the Protection and Management of the Underwater Cultural Heritage formed the basis for the Annex of the Convention, which
outlines best practices for underwater archaeological activities. The 2001 Convention promotes the safeguarding of submerged heritage for the benefit of humanity.
ICUCH serves not only as an advisory body to the Secretariat of the 2001 UNESCO Convention, but also as a source of expert guidance to any government, institution, or organisation confronted with issues relating to submerged cultural heritage. ICUCH regularly responds to requests for assistance from both States Parties and non-States Parties. In certain circumstances, it may also provide guidance proactively, particularly where the protection of underwater cultural heritage is at risk or where independent expertise is deemed necessary to support responsible and informed decision-making.