UNESCO designates three Best Practices for underwater cultural heritage protection from Croatia, Italy and Mexico
On 13 and 14 June 2023, the Meeting of States Parties to the 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage convened at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, and designated Best Practices in the field of underwater heritage.
After a competitive process and an evaluation by UNESCO’s Scientific and Technical Advisory Body, the following Best Practices of Underwater Cultural Heritage have been named:
System of protection and management of underwater cultural heritage on the Velika shallows near Cavtat, Letavica, and Baron Gautsch (Croatia)
Parco Sommerso di Baia (Italy)
Hoyo Negro Underwater Archaeological Project (Mexico)
These examples join the ten Best Practices which have been previously designated, recognized for their contribution to the safeguarding and management of underwater cultural heritage, as well as facilitation of public access.
The “System of protection and management of underwater cultural heritage on sites Velika shallows near Cavtat, Letavica, and Baron Gautsch” in Croatia offers access to a diverse range of underwater archaeological remains, including ancient structures, shipwrecks, and artifacts. Spanning centuries, they represent a rich tapestry of human activities throughout history. Exploring these sites allows the public to delve into the maritime traditions, seafaring, trade routes, and cultural exchanges that shaped the region’s heritage.
The “Parco Sommerso di Baia” located near Naples, Italy, is an ancient leisure resort dating back to the Roman Empire. Today submerged, it includes an array of ruins and underwater structures that are linked to emperors such as Augustus, Caesar, Claudius, Tiberius and Nero. The site features underwater imperial villas, temples, theaters, thermal baths, and other Roman architectural features, providing a glimpse into the grandeur of the ancient city. The Parco Sommerso di Baia, is a prime example of enhanced public accessibility, with visitors and researchers free to explore through guided dives, glass bottom boats and educational programs while emphasizing responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.
“Hoyo Negro Underwater Archaeological Project, Tulum, Quintana Roo” in Mexico focused on the exploration and investigation of the Hoyo Negro cenote, an underwater sinkhole. The archaeological excavations revealed invaluable insights into prehistoric civilizations and ancient ecosystems, including a nearly complete skeleton of a young woman from the late Pleistocene period, nicknamed “Naia”, which provided information on the early settlers of the Americas and their migration patterns. Moreover, a diverse range of extinct animal remains were found, including giant ground sloths, saber-toothed cats, and other Ice Age fauna. The well-preserved bones and fossils enabled scientists to reconstruct ancient ecosystems and understand the environmental conditions of the past, as well as climate change impact. The Project represents an interdisciplinary collaborative effort among archaeologists, paleontologists, underwater explorers, and experts.
The designations of Best Practices aim to inspire other nations and stakeholders to implement similar strategies, fostering sustainable development and enhanced preservation of our shared heritage.