Paris, 17 June. On 16 and 17 June, the Delegation of Cuba to UNESCO actively participated in the 10th Meeting of the States Parties (COP10) to the 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage, held at the Organization’s Headquarters in Paris.
During the meeting, the States Parties reviewed the progress made in the implementation of this Convention, which is unique of its kind at the international level, and discussed key actions to strengthen international cooperation and the effective protection of submerged cultural assets.
Among the main topics addressed were:
The strengthening of national capacities through the training of professionals and the promotion of technical training programmes.
The importance of updating inventories and records of underwater cultural heritage, an essential element to ensure its preservation and to prevent looting or illegal exploitation.
Support for the activities of the Scientific and Technical Advisory Body, as well as the consolidation of regional expert networks and category 2 centres dedicated to this field.
The reinforcement of synergies between the 2001 Convention and other UNESCO normative instruments related to cultural heritage protection.
Cuba reiterated its commitment to the principles of the 2001 Convention and highlighted the relevance of South-South cooperation and technical assistance for the protection of this heritage, particularly in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Caribbean countries.