The State Administration of Cultural Heritage (SACH) and State Ocean Administration (SOA) have signed an agreement to jointly make underwater cultural heritage protection one of the key issues of China's ocean strategy.
According to the agreement, signed on Oct 22 in Beijing, the two departments will integrate resources in eight fields, comprising protection and management of underwater heritage, archaeological research and excavation within China's sea territories, and global cooperation and coordination.
SOA will offer transportation assistance for underwater archeological excavation, and routine inspection over heritage areas to prevent illegal excavation and damage.
China is an "ocean country" with a large sea territory and rich underwater cultural heritage.
Protection of the heritage is not only a mission for the cultural department, but also an important issue of the country's ocean strategy and interests, said Director of SACH Shan Jixiang, while attending the agreement signing ceremony.
"Underwater heritage is part of the growing interest in ocean resources for many countries. SOA will provide all necessary support for the protection of underwater heritages," says Sun Zhihui, head of SOA.
The two departments also announced their future work will be based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and Conventions on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritages, and the related laws and regulations of China.
The third national cultural heritage census in 2009 showed there were about 70 ancient shipwrecks in China's ocean territory.
In the same year, the State Underwater Cultural Heritage Protection Center was founded. Both departments are members of the center.
In April, under the coordination of SOA, a marine surveillance ship transported underwater archaeologists for an investigation of Nansha Islands, who gained first-hand information for further heritage excavation and protection in this area.
Shan adds that SACH will build on successful experiences, including the salvage and research of Nanhai No 1 and Nan'ao No 1 shipwrecks, for future archaeological works.
Source: China Daily
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