The maritime paradox: does international heritage exist?

摘要

This paper tries to address the paradoxical situation that arguments to protect maritime heritage invariably include international significance, whereas it is seemingly impossible to put flesh on that international dimension. The issue is discussed in the light of four discourses or themes. Firstly the international characteristics of the archaeological discipline are discussed in the context of national practice and regulation. Secondly maritime heritage and its importance for overarching themes in human history are juxtaposed to with World Heritage nominations and their role in present-day society. Thirdly the development of standard setting instruments at UNESCO and the Council of Europe is discussed from the perspective of a wider international project. The last theme focuses on a discussion on ‘ownership’ in an international perspective. Although international heritage is an attractive proposition that is crucial to the emancipation of maritime heritage, the inevitable conclusion is that it does not presently exist. Its theoretical existence is not accepted in practice. In discussing ways of improving the future management of maritime heritage in international waters it is argued that much depends on the inclusive interpretation of the concept of ‘a verifiable link’ according to the 2001 UNESCO Convention. The Convention builds on sharing of responsibilities. Exclusiveness will stand in the way of any improvement, as it has done in the past. Nevertheless, it would be natural that the coastal state will coordinate efforts in the coastal maritime zones. Other options are legally possible but not attractive from a heritage perspective. The coastal state, however, should act on behalf of international stakeholders and will only do so if it accepts that international heritage exists. This acceptance that international heritage exists is even more vital and inevitable for protection, cherishing and good use of heritage in the area beyond any national jurisdiction.View full textDownload full textKeywordsheritage policy, national law, international law, UNESCO, maritime history, maritime archaeology, underwater cultural heritageRelated var addthis_config = { ui_cobrand: "Taylor & Francis Online", services_compact: "citeulike,netvibes,twitter,technorati,delicious,linkedin,facebook,stumbleupon,digg,google,more", pubid: "ra-4dff56cd6bb1830b" }; Add to shortlist Link Permalink http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13527258.2011.647864