Dear Teachers,

UNESCO is committed to promoting awareness and education about Underwater and Coastal Cultural Heritage among children. We believe that understanding and appreciating this heritage is essential for fostering cultural diversity, environmental stewardship and advocacy, and our connections to the ocean and each other through our shared histories.

May we reach out to you, to encourage your using this heritage as educational tool?

What is Underwater and Coastal Cultural Heritage?  Underwater cultural heritage refers to all traces of human existence found underwater, such as shipwrecks, submerged cities, and prehistoric sites on underwater landscapes. These sites provide valuable insights into past civilizations, trade routes, and maritime history. It also includes periodically submerged areas, such as sites in marshes or even in regularly flooded areas. There is also Coastal Cultural Heritage, such as ports, coastal buildings and structures; connected Intangible heritage such as traditional songs or practices (like shipbuilding) and nautical heritage. A key component of underwater and coastal cultural heritage is the living heritage of indigenous and coastal communities, represented by the knowledge and practices that are passed down through generations. Understanding, respecting, and sharing this heritage is key to ocean conservation, as without it, we cannot advocate for equitable, engaging, and safe oceans.

Educational Value

1.  Interdisciplinary Learning:  Underwater and Coastal Cultural Heritage offers opportunities for interdisciplinary learning in history, archaeology, marine biology, and environmental science. It connects the human with the ocean and with water.

2.  Cultural Understanding:  Studying Underwater and Coastal Cultural Heritage fosters cultural understanding and promotes respect for diverse cultural identities. The ocean has connected diverse civilizations and in learning about this history, children can become more open to exchange and dialogue.

3.  Environmental Awareness:  Underwater and Coastal Cultural Heritage serves as a platform for discussing environmental issues, such as marine conservation and climate change and its engaging and inspirational nature is often easier for children to understand than purely environmental aspects.

4.  Hands-on Exploration:  Engaging with Underwater and Coastal Cultural Heritage encourages hands-on exploration, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, as well as creative thinking in the arts and humanities. It can be visited easily and is engaging.

Use in School

By integrating UCH into various school subjects, educators can provide students with a multidisciplinary understanding of maritime history, archaeology, science, and conservation, fostering a deeper appreciation for our shared cultural and natural heritage. Here are some typical school topics that can be connected with Underwater and Coastal Cultural Heritage:

1. History:  Explore ancient civilizations and their maritime activities, such as trade routes, navigation techniques, and shipbuilding technologies. You may also look at major historic sea battles and their traces on the seabed. Introduce students to the field of underwater archaeology, including excavation methods, artifact preservation, and the interpretation of cultural remains. 
   An example: The WWII shipwrecks of Chuuk Lagoon and Bikini Atoll are important heritage sites. They are tourist attractions, but also messengers for peace. Many of them do however also threaten the environment as they contain oil.
2. Geography:  Study the geography of coastal regions and underwater landscapes, including the areas, where people used to live and where we find prehistoric sites, in connection to climate change and sea level rise education.
   An example: We find today over 150 sunken cities and ports in the Mediterranean. The most impressive are however the prehistoric submerged area of the Black, the Baltic and the North Sea where people once used to live and that are underwater today.
3. Science:  Investigate marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and the impact of human activities on underwater environments through historical sites and structures. Discuss the importance of marine conservation and sustainable management of underwater cultural heritage sites to preserve biodiversity and protect cultural resources for future generations.
4. Language, Culture and Arts:  Analyze historical documents, maritime literature, and oral traditions related to seafaring cultures and ocean exploration. Examine maritime art, architecture, and cultural expressions found in underwater heritage sites, such as shipwreck artifacts, and submerged settlements. Engage in the creation of art, poetry, or music as a method of engaging cultural exchange.
   An example: Many populations venerate the ocean and water. Look at the offerings that the Nordic people sacrifice to the gods in the Danish bogs, which you see exhibited in the Danish National Museum. Compare to today’s ocean veneration in the pacific, for instance in Hawaii’s fishtraps.
5. Technology:  Explore the use of technology in underwater exploration and research, including sonar mapping, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and underwater photography by comparing them to the highest examples of ancient technology, i.e. ships.
   An example: Discuss the travel of Odysseus and the Antikythera wreck, which’s finds are exhibited in the Athens National Museum. Have students compare the means of communication and travel then and today and the impact on civilizations.
6. Social Studies:  Investigate the social, economic, and political impact of maritime trade, exploration, and colonization on coastal communities and global history. Reflect on ethical considerations related to the excavation, preservation, and display of underwater cultural heritage, including issues of ownership, access, and cultural sensitivity. How have stories been shared among communities for generations to share important messages about the ocean, conservation, safety, and spirituality?
   An example: Discuss the human remains found in the Hoyo Negro Cenote in Yucatan, Mexico and the ways of populations to inhabit or colonize a territory. 

Resources for Teachers UNESCO understands that you as teachers need material and reliable information that responds to your teaching schedule. Here are contacts and resources: 1.  NGO Contacts:  You may contact local and regional NGOs specializing in underwater cultural heritage preservation to organize educational activities or field trips. You find a list of such NGOs and their projects here. 2.  University Network:  Connect with universities offering programs in underwater archaeology. They may provide educational materials, guest lectures, or workshops for students. You find a list of such universities and their contacts here.  3.  SeaVoice:  Stay updated on Underwater and Coastal Cultural Heritage news, engaging and inspirational stories and educational texts by subscribing to the UNESCO supported journal ‘SeaVoice’. Three times a year, SeaVoice releases a new volume with 10 articles written by inspirational ocean advocates from indigenous and coastal communities, to young ocean leaders, to high-level ocean policy-makers.

Get Involved

Join us in promoting Underwater and Coastal Cultural Heritage education and conservation efforts in your school community. Together, we can inspire the next generation to become stewards of our cultural heritage.

Thank you for your commitment to educating future generations about the importance of the ocean’s cultural heritage.

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