Despite the global significance of underwater cultural heritage (UCH), submerged sites remain markedly underrepresented within the UNESCO 1972 World Heritage Convention. A new paper in the International Journal of Cultural Property examines why this gap persists and how it might be addressed.

In “Underwater cultural heritage in the World Heritage framework: Directions in policy and practice” (2026), ODHN co-chair Arturo Rey da Silva, Elena Perez-Alvaro, Martijn Manders, Mariano J. Aznar and Christopher Underwood trace the historical development of UCH recognition, outline ongoing challenges in the classification and protection of submerged heritage, and consider the potential for such sites to be evaluated as possessing Outstanding Universal Value (OUV).

The paper is the result of discussions and work within the ICOMOS International Committee on the Underwater Cultural Heritage (ICUCH). It highlights the close cultural–natural connections often present at underwater heritage sites, the growing risks they face from climate change and human activities, and the need to better integrate UCH into World Heritage nomination dossiers and management frameworks.

Framed as a call to action, the authors present recommendations for heritage managers, States Parties and nomination teams aimed at strengthening the recognition and protection of underwater cultural heritage and improving its representation on the World Heritage List.