The National Egyptian Commission for Education, Science, and Culture, in collaboration with the Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, launched the "Regional Forum on Protecting Underwater Cultural Heritage in the Arab World."
The forum, which runs from December 24 to December 26 at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina Conference Center, gathers experts from 11 Arab countries to discuss the latest discoveries and challenges in preserving submerged cultural heritage. The event is open to the public until capacity is reached.
Forum Highlights
The three-day event focuses on various aspects of underwater cultural heritage, from leveraging modern technologies and artificial intelligence for preservation to addressing challenges such as environmental risks and human activities.
Sessions feature discussions on the role of regional and international organizations in protecting submerged artifacts and the importance of community involvement.
Key Sessions
Day 1: Heritage and Sustainable Development
The forum commenced with addresses from key figures, including Dr. Emad Khalil, UNESCO Chair for Underwater Cultural Heritage. Presentations covered innovative approaches to documenting and preserving submerged cultural artifacts.
Day 2: Challenges and Risks
Experts tackled issues like the impact of environmental changes and human interference on underwater heritage. Regional case studies provided insights into overcoming these challenges.
Day 3: Best Practices
The final day highlighted successful initiatives from Oman, Kuwait, and Egypt, emphasizing community engagement and modern management techniques.
Public Participation
The forum is an open platform, welcoming public attendees and providing an opportunity to engage with experts and learn about underwater cultural heritage.
This collaborative initiative underscores the collective effort of Arab nations to safeguard their shared maritime history for future generations.