Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage (2001)

2016-03-17 chenjinhui ORCP 1

ICUCH members are available to all countries, organizations and individuals interested in the protection and sound management of cultural resources found underwater.

Preface: The Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage was adopted by  UNESCO,Paris, 2 Nov, 2001.

The Convention is a treaty that was adopted on 2 November 2001 by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The convention is intended to protect “all traces of human existence having a cultural, historical or archaeological character,” which have been under water for over 100 years. This extends to the protection of shipwrecks, sunken cities, prehistoric art work, treasures that may be looted, sacrificial and burial sites, as well as old ports that cover the oceans floors. The preservation of underwater cultural heritage is significant as it allows for the retelling of its numerous historical events.

As part of its duty to conduct scientific research and provide continuous education on the importance of underwater cultural heritage, UNESCO strives to maintain these sites for the enjoyment of current and future generations. The convention may provide a customary framework to help raise awareness and seek to combat the illegal looting and pirating occurring in waters worldwide. As an international body, member states of the convention agree to work towards the preservation of sunken cultural property within their jurisdiction and the high seas.

In today’s interconnected world, culture’s power to transform societies is clear. Its diverse manifestations – from our cherished historic monuments and museums to traditional practices and contemporary art forms – enrich our everyday lives in countless ways. Heritage constitutes a source of identity and cohesion for communities disrupted by bewildering change and economic instability. Creativity contributes to building open, inclusive and pluralistic societies. Both heritage and creativity lay the foundations for vibrant, innovative and prosperous knowledge societies.

UNESCO is convinced that no development can be sustainable without a strong culture component. Indeed only a human-centered approach to development based on mutual respect and open dialogue among cultures can lead to lasting, inclusive and equitable results. Yet until recently, culture has been missing from the development equation.

To ensure that culture takes it rightful place in development strategies and processes, UNESCO has adopted a three-pronged approach: it spearheads worldwide advocacy for culture and development, while engaging with the international community to set clear policies and legal frameworks and working on the ground to support governments and local stakeholders to safeguard heritage, strengthen creative industries and encourage cultural pluralism.

UNESCO renowned cultural conventions provide a unique global platform for international cooperation and establish a holistic cultural governance system based on human rights and shared values. These international treaties endeavor to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage including ancient archaeological sites, intangible and underwater heritage, museum collections, oral traditions and other forms of heritage, and to support creativity, innovation and the emergence of dynamic cultural sectors.

Category
Convention
Date

2001

Promulgation

UNESCO,Paris, 2 Nov, 2001.

Descriptions

  • It sets out the principles and guidelines that States must follow in the safeguarding of underwater cultural heritage.
  • It defines underwater cultural heritage “as all traces of human existence having, historical or archaeological character” which are discovered under water.
  • It emphasizes the preservation in situ of underwater cultural heritage, as well as non-intrusive methods of documentation of said culture for the education of the public.
  • It states that any activities directed at underwater cultural heritage must avoid the disturbance of human remains or venerated sites. And it strictly prohibits the commercial exploitation of underwater cultural heritage.

Source

http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0012/001260/126065e.pdf

Download

http://orcp.hustoj.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/126065e.pdf

References

Intellectual Property

unesco-wallpaper-1024x830

 

Share

1 Trackback / Pingback

  1. Charter for the Protection and Management of the Underwater Cultural Heritage(1996) – Open Repository on Cultural Property

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*