Tag: underwater-cultural-heritage

International conference – New challenges for UW nature and cultural heritage tourism during the Ocean Decade

Open accessibility, sustainable UW cultural and nature tourism, impacts of climate change, upskilling and reskilling for the new generation, connection with the Blue economy

International conference – New challenges for UW nature and cultural heritage tourism during the Ocean Decade

The UNESCO UNITWIN Network for Underwater Archaeology and the UNESCO Chair in maritime and coastal archaeology ( MoMArch – Aix-Marseille University ) in collaboration with UNESCO 2001 Convention Secretariat and three leading EU projects on the main theme, EMFAF uBlueTec, Horizon Europe TOURAL and EMFAF ecoRoute, are organising the international conference ”New challenges for UW nature and cultural heritage tourism during the Ocean Decade”

The Conference will be held in presence at Le Cube THE CUBE | Aix-Marseille Université in Aix-en-Provence from the 29th of January to the 1st of February 2026.

Deadline for abstract submission: 30th of October 2025.
English will be the official language of the Conference.
Email: info@unescochair-mca.org

Call for papers

We are thrilled to announce the International Conference New challenges for UW nature and cultural heritage tourism during the Ocean Decade, that will bring together scholars, practitioners, policy makers, and community leaders to explore the intersections of underwater cultural heritage, tourism, climate change and community engagement. This conference will be held on 28 January – 1st of February at Le Cube, Aix-en-Provence, France, in presence and will also feature live youtube streaming to facilitate global involvement of students and researchers worldwide.

Abstract submission for papers and posters should consist of 300 words with the applicant’s name, address, institutional affiliation and abstract title.

Deadline for abstract submission: 30th of October 2025.

Email: info@unescochair-mca.org

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The Conference is organised under the aegis of the UNESCO Chair of Aix-Marseille University in Coastal and Maritime Archaeology, led by AMU and the Department of Underwater Archaeological Research of the French Ministry of Culture (DRASSM), and the UNESCO-UNITWIN network for underwater archaeology, that AMU is currently coordinating.

The Conference is organised in collaboration with three major EU projects, that are currently leading innovation in the field of sustainable natural and cultural tourism in Europe and the Outermost Regions; the Horizon Europe project TOURAL and EMFAF project ecoRoute, as well as EMFAF project uBlueTec, aiming at upskilling and reskilling the new blue EU generation to face challenges of the blue economy, such as impacts of climate change, cultural and natural ecosystem preservation and valorisation, and our common efforts towards carbon neutrality.

The event will also be an occasion for an extraordinary meeting of the members of the UNESCO UNITWIN network for Underwater Archaeology.

The event will centre around critical themes in the management, preservation, and promotion of coastal and underwater cultural heritage through public accessibility and green tourist initiatives, and natural environment and biodiversity, focusing on challenges of climate change, sustainable green practices, and technological innovations, connection with the Blue economy, and alignment with the Ocean Decade objectives and the UNESCO Strategic Development Goals.

As a result, we invite contributions related to the following core themes:

  • Open-accessibility and sustainable UW cultural tourism: legal frameworks, management strategies, challenges and opportunities
  • Underwater parks, open-access sites for diving and snorkelling in cultural and natural sites: Lessons learnt and new initiatives
  • UW cultural heritage in marine protected areas: Protecting and managing cultural heritage and marine biodiversity as an entity
  • Public awareness and outreach initiatives associated with open-access sites. Issues and value of local and indigenous communities’ engagement
  • Impacts of climate change in UW cultural and natural sites open to the public, threats and resilience strategies, proactive management strategies
  • Innovative underwater technologies for the digital documentation, preservation and monitoring of coastal and UW cultural heritage and natural biodiversity
  • Education and training in innovative UW technologies and green practices for the new Blue workforce. Higher-education and life-long training

Consultant (Underwater Heritage – Culture)

https://careers.unesco.org/job/Paris-Consultant-%28Underwater-Heritage-Culture%29/826397302/

Background

The mission of the Unit on the Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH) is to ensure the wide ratification and effective implementation of the 2001 Convention for the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage, and its related programmes and projects.

Work assignment

In that framework, under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Culture (ADG/CLT), the general supervision of the Director of the Culture and Emergencies Entity and the direct supervision of the Chief of the Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit (CLT/CEM/UCH), the incumbent shall be responsible for the following tasks:

A. Act as a scientific focal point, as an underwater archaeology expert, for the 2001 Convention activities, and contribute to its visibility. 

B. Contribute to the implementation of activities carried out by the Secretariat of the 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage.

C. Coordinate the implementation of a cooperation mechanism project for the protection of underwater cultural heritage in the Baltic Sea:

    • Organize the formal and informal meetings of a potential multilateral cooperation project in the Baltic Sea and lead consultations among the various interested stakeholders, notably the States Parties;
    • Contribute to the drafting of a global project for the protection of vulnerable UCH in the Baltic Sea (scientific study, protection, education, capacity building and communication);
    • Participate in identifying fundraising partners and drafting an estimated budget;
    • Participate in identifying communication partners and initiatives to promote the project and ensure UNESCO’s visibility.

D. Assess and develop activities related to the International underwater archaeological mission on the Skerki Bank and in the Sicily Channel, taking stock of its results and lessons learnt. 

E. Coordinate the efforts of the Secretariat to better integrate underwater cultural heritage into climate action and resilience strategies:

    • Foster awareness, synergies among Culture Conventions, interdisciplinary dialogue, and concrete pilot projects;
    • Assess the state of research, identifying the interesting institutions, experts and heritage sites related to the protection of underwater and coastal heritage facing the threats of climate change;
    • Support drafting of documents, reports and blue papers on underwater cultural heritage and climate change;
    • Support the implementation of the four-strand approach of the White Paper “Underwater cultural heritage, climate change: adaptation and mitigation” and potential roadmap towards the protection of underwater cultural heritage;
    • Develop and implement tangible projects on climate change impacts on underwater and coastal heritage;
    • Support the implementation and organisation of workshops, meetings and conferences on this topic.

F. Support the Secretariat for the organization of 17th STAB meeting in 2026.

TIMETABLE AND DELIVERABLES

Monthly progress reports on the implementation of the tasks listed above.

Work Location – Home based

Expected duration – 11 months

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

Accountability (C)

Communication (C)

Innovation (C)

Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)

Planning and organizing (C)

Results focus (C)

Teamwork (C)

–

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

  • Advanced university degree (Master’s degree) in disciplines in the field of culture

Work Experience

  • A minimum of nine (9) years of professional experience acquired in the field of culture, cultural policies, of which four (4) years acquired at the international level. 

Long Description

Skills and Competencies

  • Good knowledge of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and UN System.
  • Good knowledge of UNESCO’s standard-setting instruments and programmes in the field of culture, including of the 2001 Convention.
  • Good knowledge and proven expertise in coordination of global consultations and multi-stakeholder management.
  • Good knowledge and proven expertise in underwater archaeology and the protection of underwater cultural heritage.
  • Good knowledge and proven expertise in coordination of multilateral cooperation projects.
  • Good knowledge and proven expertise in event coordination and awareness raising material.
  • Strong ability to collect, synthesize and analyse information from various sources and formulate research documents.
  • Strong ability to collect and handle geographic information system (GIS) data and heritage inventories.
  • Ability to interact efficiently with a wide range of partners and stakeholders within and outside the Organization.
  • Ability to work both independently and in a multicultural and multilingual environment.
  • Strong IT skills.

Languages

  • Excellent knowledge of both English and French (speaking, reading and writing) and good knowledge of the other language.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Work experience

  • Professional experience in the United Nations system.
  • Proven experience in organising global multi-stakeholder consultations.
  • Proven experience in the study, protection, conservation and awareness raising of underwater cultural heritage.

Skills and Competencies

  • Expert knowledge of UNESCO Culture Programmes.

Languages

  • English and French and knowledge of another UN official language, will be an asset.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

Interested candidates should complete the on-line application, download and complete the Employment History form (Word file). At the end of the Word file, insert extra pages with the following required information:

A written proposal comprising:

  • An up-to-date CV;
  • A brief technical proposal outlining the approach and methodology for the assignment in line with the terms of reference
  • A competitive fee for the assignment quoted in EUR (or USD) and expressed on a monthly basis.

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. 

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.

Underwater Cultural Heritage Specialist

https://www.pnet.co.za/offers/offerPreview.cfm?id=4002476&click=no&rs=1&status=online&previewid=c7b0596ca3a1da18982bbdb8dce6e024

To assist with the management and coordination of Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage (MUCH) resources, to assist the Manager: Archaeology, Paleontology, and Meteorites (APM) & MUCH, and to provide administrative and technical support to the APM & MUCH unit.

1) Management and Coordination of Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage Resources:  

Site visits (planned):

  • Assist with the planning and logistics of site visits
  • Conducting site visits on land and underwater (SCUBA diving)
  • Assist with compiling site visit reports

Grading and Declaration:

  • Assist with compiling of nomination (grading) dossiers
  • Presenting at Grading and Declaration Review Committee meetings
  • Assisting with public consultation & responses
  • Liaising with owners, nominators, Heritage Protection Unit, and communities

Policy development:

  • Assist the SAHRA Policy and Skills Development Unit in policy development, producing guidelines and updating Standard Operating Procedures
  • Participating in policy consultations by giving input to HRM policies
  • Assist with conducting consultation with stakeholders as part of policy development

 Permitting:

  • Checking SAHRIS for new applications twice a week and assigning them
  • Processing all Section 32, 34, and 35 permit applications within 60 days of compliance
  • Liaising with applicants and assisting them to achieve compliance
  • Drafting of all permit letters and permit conditions on SAHRIS
  • Completing case tracking for permit applications as needed
  • Reviewing permit reports and providing feedback
  • Uploading permit reports to SAHRIS

2) Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage Promotion and Stakeholder Management:

Promotion:

  • Updating social media with information regarding MUCH:
  • Producing promotional material (e.g. flyers, brochures, interpretive signs, popular articles, website/online content)

Public Engagement:

  • Responding to all queries from members of the public
  • Completing the quarterly complaints register for submission to Heritage Protection unit
  • Giving public seminars, lectures, presentations, or talks
  • Responding to requests for comment and information by the Media
  • Giving interviews for documentaries, radio, or similar
  • Building capacity through student and learner development at universities and schools
  • Presenting MUCH-related research at academic conferences
  • Attendance at academic conferences

Stakeholder Engagement:

  • Liaising with stakeholders
  • Attending stakeholder meetings
  • Providing specialised input to stakeholder documents that concern MUCH 

3) Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage Identification and Research:

Site Research and Verification:

  • Planning visits to MUCH sites as part of research
  • Diving on MUCH sites as part of research
  • Conducting visits to MUCH sites as part of research project activities to verify their location, condition, and significance
  • Recording MUCH sites by taking video footage, photographs, and producing site maps and sketches of site features
  • Producing baseline site data for the purposes of future monitoring and maintenance of MUCH resources (including 3D models)
  • Writing reports on MUCH sites and resources
  • Conducting desk-based research to augment MUCH unit records on sites and resources
  • Seeking information on MUCH sites and resources from members of the public, private collectors, owners, museums, and other institutions and stakeholders to update unit records
  • Identifying avenues for research, producing project proposals (including funding proposals), and implementing project activities that support the mandate of the MUCH unit
  • Writing and publishing research papers on MUCH

MUCH Database and Geographical Information System (GIS):

  • Updating the MUCH database with information gathered through research activities
  • Improving the quality and quantity of data in the MUCH GIS
  • Writing an annual report on all information added to the database and GIS

4) APM & MUCH Unit Operations and Records Management:

Procurement and Payments:

  • Assist with drafting terms of reference for required goods and/or services
  • Liaising with Supply Chain Management regarding submission process
  • Completing and submitting Payment Requisition Forms and Supplier Evaluation forms
  • Following up with Finance regarding payment of outstanding invoices

Records Management:

  • Keeping copies of all payment requisitions and submissions
  • Keeping records of stakeholder meetings arranged by SAHRA (i.e. register, minutes)

Performance management:

  • Signing performance plan and contract with manager
  • Completing performance self-assessments (first, interim, and final)
  • Attending performance management review meetings with manager
  • Completing/updating Personal Development Plan

Operational Reporting:

  • Creating and updating lists of assigned tasks
  • Providing a Portfolio of Evidence for all targets achieved          

NOAA Explorer-in-Training Program

https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/okeanos/training.html

Underwater Cultural Heritage Communications Theme

  • Internship Period: 10-weeks, Summer 2025
  • Virtual or in-person: Remote/virtual
  • Stipend: $7,000 honorarium plus

This opportunity is for a communications-focused graduate student to engage and contribute to NOAA Ocean Exploration marine archaeology activities and digital communication priorities. The student will work with NOAA Ocean Exploration archaeologists and communications staff to better understand significant historical sites from past and current maritime heritage-focused expeditions supported or conducted by the office with the primary aim to help create public-facing content for NOAA Ocean Exploration’s new archaeology web page. Additional activities may include historical research for other communication, education, or outreach products and related historic preservation activities.

Key activities and learning outcomes:
  • Write web content and co-design NOAA Ocean Exploration’s archaeology webpage. No access to or experience with web-design software is needed. Basic knowledge of Microsoft software (Word, Excel, etc.) and the Google suite are needed.
  • Conduct historical research, gather supporting documents and imagery, and write public-facing content for Pacific-focused underwater cultural heritage fieldwork.
  • Learn about the NOAA Ocean Exploration program, archaeology, and communications portfolios alongside a diverse team of NOAA Ocean Exploration archaeologists and communications staff.
  • Communicate internship outcomes through written reports and oral presentations, including at the 2025 NOAA Ocean Exploration Internship Symposium.
  • This will be a remote, virtual internship, using video conferencing to communicate with mentors. Opportunities for professional development include workshops, seminars, conferences and publications.
This opportunity is ideal for:
  • Graduate students or someone who has recently completed a graduate-level degree.
  • Applicants with a background or interest in maritime studies, maritime archaeology, maritime heritage, and/or science communication.

CFP: State of the Art in Underwater Cultural Heritage: Policies in the Era of Blue Economy and Incorporation into Maritime Spatial Planning

https://www.mdpi.com/journal/heritage/special_issues/A6HXIZBZUM

Dear Colleagues,

Underwater cultural heritage (UCH) refers to human-made structures and artifacts submerged underwater, including sunken cities, shipwrecks, and submerged ruins. UCH research is crucial for understanding humanity’s past, cultural heritage, and the evolution of maritime technology. This field focuses on UCH-related policies in the era of blue economy and on its incorporation into marine/maritime spatial planning endeavors worldwide. The focus of this Special Issue will also be on the diagnostics, conservation, and monitoring of UCH through advanced scientific techniques and technologies. Preserving cultural legacies, promoting sustainable tourism, and generating blue economic benefits while safeguarding the marine environment and preventing unauthorized looting and exploitation are key priorities. Harmonious co-existence with other maritime uses (e.g, tourism, nature conservation, offshore wind infrastructure, etc.) is also a key priority of this Special Issue.

The goal of this Special Issue is to collect papers (original research articles and review papers) to provide a comprehensive platform for showcasing cutting-edge research and advancements in the field of underwater cultural heritage. This Special Issue seeks to bring together contributions that highlight policies and strategies acknowledging UCH as a contributor to blue economy and as a distinct maritime use in maritime spatial plans from all over the world. Contributions focused on multi-use settings, including UCH in a harmonious co-existence with other traditional or emerging maritime uses, are also welcome. Moreover, this Special Issue invites papers which incorporate innovative diagnostic techniques, conservation methodologies, and monitoring approaches aimed at preserving and protecting underwater cultural sites. The aim of this Special Issue is to advance the understanding of underwater cultural heritage, promote sustainable conservation practices, and contribute to the broader body of knowledge in cultural heritage management and preservation.

This Special Issue will welcome manuscripts that link the following themes:

  • Policies and strategies acknowledging UCH as a contributor to blue economy;
  • Modes of incorporation of UCH as a distinct maritime use in maritime spatial plans;
  • Realized examples of harmonious co-existence of UCH with other marine uses and the assessment of the potential of UCH-driven multi-use;
  • Advanced diagnostic techniques for the identification and documentation of underwater cultural heritage sites;
  • Innovative conservation methodologies and strategies for preserving and protecting underwater cultural heritage;
  • Valuation methods of underwater cultural heritage;
  • Sustainable management practices for the long-term preservation of underwater cultural heritage sites.

Prof. Dr. Stella Sofia Kyvelou
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Heritage is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI’s English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • underwater cultural heritage
  • accessible underwater cultural sites (AUCSs)
  • sunken cities
  • shipwrecks
  • UCH and sustainable tourism
  • Underwater natural and cultural heritage
  • coastal/marine cultural ecosystem services
  • diagnostic techniques
  • conservation and monitoring
  • coastal heritage
  • underwater cultural landscapes
  • UCH and climate change
  • valuation methods of UCH

Published Papers

This special issue is now open for submission.