Wide International and Regional Participation on “Coastal and Underwater Cultural Heritage”
Sharjah Archaeology Authority Concludes the Sixth Edition of the World Coastal Forum
The Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), in collaboration with the National Institute of Archaeology and Heritage, the ASSALAM Organization for the Protection of Maritime Heritage in Morocco, and the University of Khorfakkan, successfully concluded the sixth edition of the World Coastal Forum. Held under the theme “Coastal and Underwater Cultural Heritage – Challenges and Perspectives: Sharjah’s Coasts as a Model,” the forum took place from November 9 to 10 at Khorfakkan University, gathering experts, academics, and specialists from around the world. The event featured a series of discussions and scientific papers that highlighted the significance of coastal heritage and explored methods for its preservation, with a special focus on the efforts in the Emirate of Sharjah as a pioneering model in this field.
Strategic Focus on Coastal and Underwater Cultural Heritage in Sharjah
H.E. Eisa Yousif, Director General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), praised the forum’s success, emphasizing the importance of continued international cooperation to preserve cultural heritage. “The conclusion of the sixth edition of the World Coastal Forum marks a new starting point for strengthening efforts to protect coastal and underwater cultural heritage, supporting global dialogue on the preservation of this archaeological legacy and affirming Sharjah’s role as a model in cultural heritage and a global hub for research and knowledge,” he stated.
He added, “We look forward to sustaining this fruitful collaboration with our international partners, working together to develop programs and initiatives that document and safeguard these cultural treasures. We remain committed to supporting specialized research and advancing awareness and training initiatives, ensuring the preservation and continuity of our cultural heritage for future generations.”
Diverse Regional and International Contributions Reflecting Coastal Heritage
The second day’s sessions featured a wide range of contributions from regional countries. The first session opened with a scientific paper from Saudi Arabia, presented by engineers Ibrahim Al Juwair and Wajdan Al Muizir from the Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Authority, discussing coastal architectural heritage in Saudi Arabia. Following this, Mallory Rachel Haas Director, The SHIPS Project Plymouth in the United States, presented on “Effectively Engaging a Trained Volunteer Team to Improve Maritime Heritage Stewardship in the UK with Stakeholder Participation,” showcasing successful UK initiatives in community involvement in maritime heritage preservation. The session concluded with a paper from Morocco by Dr. Rabiaa Hjeila – Higher Education Professor and Underwater Cultural Heritage Track Coordinator, National Institute of Archaeology and Heritage, titled “Legal Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage: The Moroccan Experience.”
Promoting Cultural Authenticity through Scholarly Papers
The second session included papers from Oman, with Professor Ayoub bin Naghmoosh Al Busaidi, Director of Underwater Archaeology, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Oman, and Ali bin Hassan Al Zahli, Assistant Director of the Underwater Heritage Department, discussing Oman’s efforts to document and preserve underwater cultural heritage through modern technologies. Michel L’Hour, Honorary Secretary General of Heritage, addressed environmental and industrial challenges facing submerged cultural heritage under the title “Climate Change, Industrial Activity, and Deep-Sea Shipwrecks: A Survey of Threats and Some Solutions.” Meanwhile, Dr. Mladen Pešić from Croatia discussed the protection and management systems for underwater cultural heritage in Croatia.
Sustaining Cultural Identity through Community Partnerships
The third session featured a presentation by Professor Saleha Al Harithi, Senior Program Officer for Intangible Heritage – General Directorate of Intangible Heritage, Saudi Heritage Authority, titled “The Social and Cultural Impact of Intangible Maritime Heritage: A Comprehensive Study Towards Sustaining Cultural Identity through Community Partnerships in Saudi Arabia.” This was followed by a presentation from Sheikh El Mami Ahmed Bazid, President of the ASSALAM Organization for the Protection of Maritime Heritage in Morocco, on “The Role of NGOs in Protecting Underwater Cultural Heritage in the Arab and African World: The ASSALAM Organization Model.” Bazid highlighted the association’s efforts in maritime heritage preservation and the importance of civil society in safeguarding this heritage.
The forum concluded with a paper from Portugal, presented by Professor Augusto Salgado, Director of the Portuguese Maritime Museum and the Center for History at the University of Lisbon, titled “Portuguese Shipwrecks: Shipping and Shipbuilding,” offering insights into Portugal’s rich maritime history.
