Marine Cultural Heritage as a Catalyst for Sustainable Ocean Practices

This presentation will examine the essential role of marine cultural heritage (MCH) in advancing sustainable ocean practices and strengthening human-ocean relationships. Marine cultural heritage, encompassing everything from historical sites and artifacts to traditional practices and knowledge systems, holds significant potential to inform, inspire, and enrich global efforts toward sustainable development in the ocean space. This session highlights the contributions of the Cultural Heritage Framework Programme (CHFP) within the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), the only Ocean Decade Programme focussing on cultural heritage, with onus on CHFP’s endorsed projects, including SeaVoice, which demonstrate the power of cultural heritage in fostering sustainable and inclusive ocean governance.

MCH plays a profound role in understanding the complex interconnections between humans and the marine environment. It shapes identities, records histories, and reflects societal developments tied to the ocean. Recognizing the value of MCH can lead to a more nuanced appreciation of marine ecosystems and the importance of their preservation, not only as natural resources but as carriers of collective memory and heritage. This presentation will explore the influence of MCH on identity and community, its impact on ecosystem conservation, and its ability to inspire sustainable practices that respect both environmental and cultural dimensions. CHFP projects serve as practical examples of how integrating cultural heritage within marine science and policy can produce beneficial outcomes for communities and ecosystems alike.

Through case studies from various endorsed projects under CHFP, this session will highlight successful integrations of MCH in marine policy and conservation. For instance, SeaVoice amplifies diverse oceanic narratives, bringing forward voices from coastal and indigenous communities to deepen our understanding of ocean culture. Such projects emphasize the crucial need to view the ocean through multiple lenses—scientific, historical, cultural, and ecological—to build a comprehensive and resilient approach to sustainability. Additionally, this presentation will address the challenges and opportunities in merging MCH with marine policy, offering insights into gaps within current policy frameworks and how they may be improved to protect heritage sites, support local cultures, and enhance marine stewardship.

Another key focus will be the interdisciplinary and innovative approaches needed to strengthen the role of MCH within Ocean Literacy initiatives. By integrating historical perspectives into contemporary dialogues on ocean sustainability, marine archaeology and cultural heritage studies can transform from supplementary fields into core contributors to ocean conservation and policy debates. However, achieving this requires changes in approach and policy support to ensure that MCH is seen as a vital part of the solution, not just a complementary aspect of marine research.

By championing a holistic approach to ocean conservation and governance, this presentation contributes to the broader objectives of the Ocean Decade. The expected outcomes include enhanced awareness of MCH’s value, identification of collaborative actions, and the development of recommendations for integrating MCH into sustainable marine management, setting the foundation for a future where ocean governance is enriched by both natural and cultural heritage considerations.