Doha: Qatar Museums, in collaboration with the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen, commemorated the International Day for Underwater Cultural Heritage, held annually on August 21. This event underscores global efforts to enhance awareness of underwater cultural heritage as a vital component of humanity's collective cultural legacy.
According to Qatar News Agency, the celebration highlights the shared commitment of Qatar Museums and the UNESCO Regional Office to the 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage. This convention establishes an international framework for preserving underwater cultural heritage and promotes international cooperation and knowledge exchange in archaeology and cultural heritage.
To commemorate the occasion, the National Museum of Qatar hosted a public conference titled "Coastal and Maritime Cultural Heritage in Qatar." The event gathered archaeologists and heritage specialists to present research on Qatar's coastal landscapes, maritime traditions, and historical communities. Faisal Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Director of the Archaeology Department at Qatar Museums, reaffirmed the importance of expanding the understanding of Qatar's past while preserving and promoting its cultural heritage for future generations.
The conference consisted of two sessions where experts from Qatar Museums' Archaeology Department and UNESCO discussed research, documentation, conservation, and sustainable management of underwater cultural heritage. The discussions emphasized the importance of balancing protection and preservation with scientific research and public engagement.
Farida Aboudan, Acting Director of the UNESCO Regional Office, acknowledged Qatar's dedication to heritage protection, noting the collaboration between UNESCO and Qatar Museums on several heritage projects and initiatives. She emphasized the significance of collective action in preserving archaeological heritage and ensuring its sustainability.
Jawda Mansour, Culture Programme Specialist at UNESCO, praised Qatar for hosting the International Day for Underwater Cultural Heritage. She highlighted the Convention's role in facilitating cooperation among states in research, excavation, documentation, and preservation of submerged archaeological sites. Mansour pointed out challenges such as developing specialized expertise and balancing public access with site protection.
Dr. Wafaa Suleiman, an underwater cultural heritage expert at Qatar Museums, discussed the transformative impact of the 2001 UNESCO Convention in maritime archaeology. She emphasized the need for strengthened scientific research, enhanced international cooperation, and responsible public access to underwater heritage sites.
The second session of the conference focused on Qatar's efforts to preserve its coastal landscapes as part of understanding its past. Faisal Abdullah Al Nuaimi presented on "Fish Traps in Qatar," discussing the historical significance and threats facing these traditional structures. Dr. Farhan Sakal highlighted the Al Sirriya archaeological site and its architectural features, emphasizing the need to preserve such sites amidst sustainable development challenges.
Heritage researcher Robert Carter underscored the importance of understanding activities like pearl diving in studying underwater cultural heritage. He noted the historical significance of pearl fisheries and submerged freshwater springs as essential components of Qatar's maritime history.
The conference concluded with a call for continued cooperation among states, institutions, and researchers to protect and study underwater cultural heritage, which is integral to humanity's collective memory.