UNDERWATER CULTURAL HERITAGE: POLICY SAFEGUARDS FOR SHIPWRECK AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PAKISTAN

Abstract

Underwater cultural heritages are termed as ‘time capsules’ due to their ability to effectively preserve history and materials of cultural and scientific significance. In addition to being a cradle of immense knowledge of history and culture, these sites are known to provide tremendous potential for underwater tourism. Along-with the repercussions of maritime pollution; climate change; and anthropogenic intrusions in the oceans, the integrity of these assets is in peril as the looting and pillage for valuables continue. The budding interest of people in securing the objects from shipwrecks and other UCH for their personal collection has led to the illicit looting through unethical means that destroy these resources. The historical worth of the artefacts and the treasures far exceeds their commercial value. Till the past century, the insufficient laws and regulation have proved futile to offer protection to these resources as illegal salvaging and looting continues worldwide as the demand for the valuable grows bigger.