What is Underwater Cultural Heritage?
Underwater cultural heritage is defined by UNESCO as “all traces of human existence of a cultural, historical or archaeological nature which, for at least 100 years, have been partially or totally immersed, periodically or permanently, under the oceans and in lakes and rivers.”
In this sense not only shipwrecks but also submerged landscapes such as cities and prehistoric settlements are also considered as Underwater Cultural Heritage.
The waters of our world are not empty. Alongside marine ecosystems, the seabed holds traces of human history. Shipwrecks, submerged habitation sites, aircraft, and sacred sites can be found beneath oceans, lakes, and rivers. These sites or objects are the tangible evidence of our human past and offer insight into how people lived, travelled, and interacted with their environment. Some date back decades, others hundreds or even thousands of years. They help us understand our heritage, connect with the people who came before us, and deepen our relationship with the environment. These sites have values: historical, cultural, scientific, social and economic, and deserve careful study and protection. Our waters are living spaces. Many sites are now thriving places of biodiversity, combining the past with the present in a symbiotic symphony of submerged heritage. And ICUCH is working to ensure protection through knowledge, awareness, understanding and cooperation.
The Importance of Underwater Cultural Heritage
The study and preservation of underwater cultural heritage contributes to the broader understanding of human civilization and serves to represent the historical connections and traditions of coastal communities and their relationship to the sea.
It reflects the unique customs, practices, and knowledge passed down through generations.
“To study the human past without considering this enormously rich underwater resource of information is to have one-third of the big picture.”
-Martijn Manders, 2024
Vice president of ICUCH