Eric Falt | Beneath the sea

Last week, UNESCO, in partnership with the Jamaican Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, and with the financial support of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), hosted a symposium marking the 25th anniversary of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage.

The gathering highlighted the deep connection between the oceans, heritage, and future.

Underwater cultural heritage, as defined by the UNESCO convention, includes all traces of human existence with cultural, historical or archaeological character that have been under water for at least a century – from wrecks and submerged structures to ancient ports and architectural remains. These sites are not inert relics lost to time; they are living testimonies of our shared human history that enrich our understanding of who we were and who we are.

In the Caribbean and across the world, the ocean has been both a source of life and a theatre of human experience. It carried ships of exploration and trade, witnessed tragic events of history, and sometimes claimed entire towns in natural disaster. These stories, visible beneath the waves, are part of our collective memory and deserve protection, not only as archaeological resources, but also as vessels of human identity.

Jamaica’s Port Royal is a prime example. Inscribed last year on the UNESCO World Heritage List, this site includes remarkable terrestrial and underwater remains of the 17th century town devastated by a massive earthquake in 1692. The underwater sections are exceptionally well preserved beneath layered sediments, offering a rare window into the past. These submerged streets, piers and ruins remind us that beneath the sea lies a chapter of our history as vivid and profound as what stands on land.

MANY THREATS

Yet, everywhere, such heritage faces many threats. Historic wrecks and submerged sites are increasingly at risk from climate change, rising sea levels and ocean acidification, which accelerate deterioration. At the same time, pollution and unregulated development pose grave dangers, while treasure hunting and commercial exploitation can irreparably damage these fragile resources. It is not enough to admire these remnants. We must also act to protect them.

As we celebrate the convention’s anniversary during the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, it is important to recognise that cultural heritage and marine ecosystems are deeply interconnected. Healthy oceans support vibrant ecosystems, and those ecosystems, in turn, help preserve the very heritage that lies beneath them. Coral reefs growing over old hulls, seagrass beds sheltering archaeological sites, and the clarity of water revealing submerged structures, all remind us that ocean health and heritage protection are inseparable.

The UNESCO convention created an international framework that encourages states and communities to protect underwater cultural heritage in situ wherever possible, resisting the commercial exploitation of these treasures for private gain. It also supports scientific research, education and responsible access that raises awareness and appreciation for what lies beneath the waves.

The mural that was inaugurated last week captures this idea beautifully. It illustrates submerged heritage, not as forgotten debris, but as part of a vibrant story that connects past tragedies, human resilience, and future responsibility. Like the mural, we should see underwater cultural heritage as a communal legacy, something that belongs to all of us and that enriches our sense of identity and place.

BROADER SOCIETAL VALUES

Far from being a niche concern for archaeologists alone, the protection of submerged heritage speaks to broader societal values. It reinforces the need for responsible stewardship of the environment, a commitment to sustainability that aligns with the goals of the UN Decade of Ocean Science. By protecting the ocean and the history it holds, we safeguard, not only biodiversity, but also the memory of human endeavour, interaction and creativity across centuries.

For UNESCO, there is also a powerful ethical dimension to this work. Many submerged sites reflect painful histories, including those tied to the transatlantic slave trade that profoundly shaped the Caribbean. The sea was a conduit of commerce and culture, but also of human suffering. By acknowledging and protecting these sites, we honour the memory of those whose voices were lost to the depths, and ensure their stories are told in ways that educate and inspire.

Moreover, underwater cultural heritage offers enormous opportunities for education, tourism and community engagement. Jamaica has shown leadership by championing Port Royal’s inscription and raising its profile as a site of global significance. This achievement should motivate further investment in research, public awareness and legal frameworks that protect underwater heritage from deteriorating or disappearing entirely.

Protecting what lies beneath the sea is not just a matter of archaeology, but a moral and environmental imperative. It demands cooperation across governments, scientific institutions, civil society and coastal communities. It requires laws and policies that recognise the value of underwater heritage, strategies that mitigate the threats posed by climate change and pollution, and public education that fosters pride and care for submerged sites.

The symposium was a timely reminder that safeguarding underwater cultural heritage is a cause worth championing. Let us carry forward that momentum by strengthening our commitment to conserving these treasures. When we look beneath the waves, we see not emptiness but the rich tapestry of human experience, and we must ensure that these sunken treasures, intertwined with the life of the ocean, are protected for generations to come.

Eric Falt is the director and representative of UNESCO for the Caribbean region, covering the English- and Dutch-speaking countries. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com