In a new article for the Advisory Council on Underwater Archaeology’s Deep Thoughts series, ODHN Co-Chair Dr Athena Trakadas reflects on the role of cultural heritage at the Third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France.

Dr Trakadas writes that cultural heritage events at UNOC3 were highly relevant but limited, taking place mostly as off-site side events. However, in an event at the accreditation-only-access Blue Zone, colleagues from UNESCO’s 2001 Convention Secretariat, ICOMOS’ International Committee on Underwater Cultural Heritage (ICUCH), and ODHN were able to collaborate to highlight the importance of heritage through a dedicated intervention: “The Role of Heritage in Ocean Science under the UN Ocean Decade.” This effort was further reinforced by the joint submission of the Sustainable Ocean Heritage Stewardship [Nice Statement].

Dr Trakadas describes the strategic value of integrating Ocean Heritage into ocean sciences, providing historical baselines, cultural insights into marine resource use, and supporting more adaptive, socially responsive approaches to environmental pressures. She stresses that Ocean Heritage should be recognised as a valuable asset to be included in management and conservation policies and plans under the BBNJ Agreement, ensuring its role in informed, sustainable ocean governance.

Read Dr Trakadas’ full reflections here:
👉 https://acuaonline.org/deep-thoughts/un-ocean-3/