Bringing the importance of the ocean’s heritage to the attention of Governments and of the UN.

JYOTI HOSAGRAHAR, DIR CLT/CRE

UNESCO Culture Conventions & the Oceans

• 1954 Hague Convention on Cultural Property in Armed Conflict

• 1970 Illicit Traffic Convention

• 1972 World Heritage Convention

• 2001 Underwater Cultural Heritage Convention

• 2003 Intangible Heritage Convention

• 2005 Cultural Diversity Convention

( L I N K S T O C U L T U R E C O N V E N T I O N S & P R O G R A M S )

CONVENTIONS /

PROGRAMS

1954

1970

1972

2001

2003

2005

Protection of

culture in

Emergencies

Culture for 2030 Agenda

for Sustainable

Development

4.7 5.55.c

11.4 17.917.1617.17

4.7 5.55.c

11.4 16.416.a

17.917.1617.17

4.7 5.55.c

6.6 8.9 11.4 13.1 14.514.7

15.1 17.917.1417.1617.17

4.7 5.55.c

14.7 17.917.1617.17

2.4 4.7 5.55.c

11.4 13.1 17.917.1417.16 17.17

4.4 5.c 8.3 10.a 16.716.10

17.19

4.7 5.55.C

11.411.B

13.1 16.416.a

17.9, 17.16, 17.17

2.4 4.44.7

5.55.C

6.6 8.38.9

10.A 11.411.B

13.1 14.514.7

15.1 16.416.716.1016.a

17.917.1417.1617.1717.19

A shared goal

• Heritage issues are both local and global

• The global community as the UN has committed to the protection of heritage

• Introduce the issue of heritage preservation into work on SDGs

• Stress the potential of heritage for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

Recent success stories

• 23 December 2016 – UNGA Resolution 71/257 called upon States to become parties to 2001 Convention

• Resolution 2347 of UN Security Council devoted to the protection of cultural heritage in conflict zones

Culture’s Contribution to SDG 14 (Oceans)

14.2 By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems

14.5 By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas14.7 By 2030, increase the economic benefits to SIDS and LDCs, including through tourism

14.c Ensure the full implementation of international law

Heritage and the Oceans

2001 Underwater Cultural Heritage Convention

• Underwater Cultural Heritage – a remainder of human relation to the oceans

• 90 % of humanity developed on places today under water

Contribution to SDG achievement:

• Research important for education and climate change

• Heritage preservation important for identity and tourism

• Protection of coastal and marine areas includes heritage protection against pillage and exploitation

Heritage and the Oceans

1972 World Heritage Convention

• 49 World Heritage marine sites in 37 different countries, including Great Barrier Reef, Galápagos Islands, iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

• Exceptional biodiversity and natural heritage

• Threats: climate change (for example coral bleaching), overfishing, etc.

Contribution to SDG achievement:

• World Heritage marine sites cover 10% by surface area of all marine protected areas. Improving their conservation, via the Convention, directly contributes to SDG Goal 14.2, 14.4, 14.5 and 14.7.

• 1972 World Heritage Convention has 40 year track record of protecting sites of Outstanding Universal Value

© Papahanaumokuakea/ Nomination File

Culture’s Contribution to SDG 14 (Oceans)

• Local and indigenous knowledge contributes to the management of coastal ecosystem both on land and water

• Intangible heritage has the capacity to evolve and adapt for a more sustainable use of natural resources when necessary

• It permits communities to better face natural disasters and the challenges of climate change.

CLT at the SDG 14 Oceans Conference

Preparation Stage:

• 15 February 2017 – Preparatory Meeting – Side Event on UnderwaterCultural Heritage

• Participation of FO Apia in Pacific Regional Preparatory Meeting to promote UCH

• Input into ‘Call for Action’

• Several Meetings of UN Missions led by Alejandro Palma Cerna, Chairperson of the Meeting of States Parties of the 2001 Convention

CLT at the SDG 14 Oceans Conference

June Oceans Conference (5-9 June 2017, NY UN HQ)

• Side-Event on Underwater Cultural Heritage, 5 June 2017 (tbc)

• Proposed Underwater Cultural Heritage Participation in Partnershipdialogues (tbc)

• Involvement in discussions on Call for Action

• Marine World Heritage Initiative in the framework of the World Ocean Day Celebrations on 8 June (plenary session) (tbc).

Thank you