Mission Statement
From mapping ancient trade routes, surveying historic harbours and early settlements, to protecting wrecks of exploration, conflict, trade and global migration, ICUCH leads conversations that link the past to today’s global challenges.
From climate change to coastal and deep-sea development impacts, potentially polluting wrecks, unregulated ocean exploitation, illicit salvage or military activities, the threats to underwater heritage are increasing. Our work is grounded in cooperation, collaboration and empowering communities; we promote an ethical approach to inclusive research and management, ensuring that heritage is protected not only for its scientific, cultural and historical value, but its intangible significance as well. This includes supporting underwater cultural heritage that is included in UNESCO’s world heritage listing.
We are committed to advancing capacity-building in all regions, particularly where cultural heritage is most vulnerable, in line with the objectives of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, which calls for the protection and sustainable management of ocean resources, including cultural heritage.
The ICOMOS-ICUCH Working Group focuses on:
Oversight
Monitoring World Heritage Committee decisions and ensuring underwater heritage is integrated into nomination files and management plans.
Assessment
Evaluating sites and advising on incorporating submerged archaeological remains into World Heritage inscriptions.
Guidance
Providing policy guidelines and advocating for ecosystem-based, community-centered approaches that bridge the divide between land and sea, and between culture, people and nature.
Outreach
Raising awareness and enhancing educational efforts about the value of underwater cultural heritage.
Our Core Values
- Our advice and work are driven by independence and integrity.
- We operate without funding that might compromise our guidance, ensuring our focus remains solely on preserving cultural heritage for the benefit of all.
- We are committed to global collaboration, ethical stewardship, and educating others about the importance of our underwater past.