Latest news with #UNESCOConventionontheProtectionofUnderwaterCulturalHeritage


Express Tribune
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Unesco to help safeguard underwater archaeological resources
Pakistan will become the first South Asian nation to ratify the 2001 UNESCO Convention. Photo: file Pakistan is set to become the first South Asian nation to ratify the 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH), marking a significant step toward safeguarding its submerged maritime legacy. Maritime archaeology, a specialised discipline that explores the relationship between humans and bodies of water through historical artifacts, is gaining prominence in coastal nations with rich nautical histories. In Pakistan's case, according to PTV, this includes shipwrecks, submerged landscapes, ancient maritime infrastructure such as piers and lighthouses, and historic trade routes along the Arabian Sea. Unesco representative Dr Cristina Menegazzi called on Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry this week and the two sides discussed collaborative efforts to document, preserve, and promote Pakistan's rich underwater archaeological resources. "We are committed to preserving our maritime cultural heritage and will soon ratify the 2001 Convention," said Chaudhry. "This will position Pakistan as a regional leader in protecting underwater cultural heritage and strengthen our voice on international platforms concerning climate change and cultural preservation." The minister underscored the government's focus on environmentally responsible exploration. "Any scientific activity in maritime archaeology must be conducted in a way that respects and protects marine ecosystems," he said. "The use of non-invasive technologies like remote sensing, diver-based observation, and photogrammetry will be prioritised, while excavations will only be carried out under strict scientific guidelines." In line with efforts to preserve both submerged and coastal heritage, Pakistan seeks Unesco's assistance in registering historic maritime buildings in Karachi. These include over 70-year-old structures under the Maritime Affairs Ministry, such as the Marine Fisheries Department and the iconic Marine Lighthouse.


See - Sada Elbalad
31-07-2025
- See - Sada Elbalad
Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Launches Photography Competition to Highlight Underwater Cultural Heritage
Ali abo deshish To shed light on Egypt's underwater cultural heritage, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is launching a photography competition for amateur photographers starting Friday, August 1, 2025. The competition aims to select the best photograph showcasing one of the underwater archaeological artifacts recovered from the Mediterranean Sea, currently displayed at either the Graeco-Roman Museum or the Alexandria National Museum. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, H.E. Sherif Fathy, emphasized that this initiative reflects the Ministry's commitment to raising awareness about the importance of submerged cultural heritage and highlighting Egypt's unique archaeological treasures discovered beneath the Mediterranean. He added that the competition is aligned with Egypt's obligations under the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage. Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained that the competition is one of several upcoming events organized by the Ministry to spotlight this exceptional heritage. Details of the competition will be announced via the official social media pages of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. The competition is open to photographers from Egypt and abroad, who are invited to photograph the submerged artifacts on display at the Graeco-Roman Museum and Alexandria National Museum during official opening hours between August 1 and August 10, 2025. Participants must submit their photographs along with a brief CV to the following email address: [email protected] , no later than Thursday, August 14, 2025. A specialized jury composed of university professors and experts in photography and archaeology will evaluate the submissions, under the supervision of the competition's technical secretariat. Dr. Ahmed Rahima, Assistant Minister for Human Resource Development and Head of the Central Training Unit, noted that judging will focus on artistic quality, visual creativity, and the ability to highlight the fine details and aesthetic appeal of the artifacts. Winners will be announced on Monday, August 18, 2025, and will be honored at an official award ceremony on Thursday, August 21, 2025. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Arts & Culture Lebanese Media: Fayrouz Collapses after Death of Ziad Rahbani Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results