CONVENTION ON THE
PROTECTION OF THE UNDERWATER CULTURAL HERITAGE
UNESCO
Paris, 2 November 2001
CONVENTION ON THE
PROTECTION OF THE UNDERWATER CULTURAL HERITAGE
The General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization, meeting in Paris from 15 October to 3 November 2001, at its
31st session,
Acknowledging the importance of underwater cultural heritage as an integral part of
the cultural heritage of humanity and a particularly important element in the history
of peoples, nations, and their relations with each other concerning their common
heritage,
Realizing the importance of protecting and preserving the underwater cultural
heritage and that responsibility therefor rests with all States,
Noting growing public interest in and public appreciation of underwater cultural
heritage,
Convinced of the importance of research, information and education to the protection
and preservation of underwater cultural heritage,
Convinced of the public’s right to enjoy the educational and recreational benefits of
responsible non-intrusive access to in situ underwater cultural heritage, and of the
value of public education to contribute to awareness, appreciation and protection of
that heritage,
Aware of the fact that underwater cultural heritage is threatened by unauthorized
activities directed at it, and of the need for stronger measures to prevent such
activities,
Conscious of the need to respond appropriately to the possible negative impact on
underwater cultural heritage of legitimate activities that may incidentally affect it,
Deeply concerned by the increasing commercial exploitation of underwater cultural
heritage, and in particular by certain activities aimed at the sale, acquisition or barter
of underwater cultural heritage,
Aware of the availability of advanced technology that enhances discovery of and
access to underwater cultural heritage,
Believing that cooperation among