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 Periodical article |
 Leiden University catalogue |
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| Title: | Underwater cultural heritage: archaeological preservation or salvage? |
| Author: | Beukes, Margaret |
| Year: | 2001 |
| Periodical: | South African Yearbook of International Law |
| Volume: | 26 |
| Pages: | 62-86 |
| Language: | English |
| Geographic term: | South Africa |
| Subjects: | conservation of cultural heritage cultural heritage |
| Abstract: | South Africa's coastline is the repository of an abounding heritage of shipwrecks of both culturo-historical and economic significance. It is the vicissitudes of one of these ships, the 'Dodington', that forms the backdrop to this discussion of the protection and preservation of the underwater cultural heritage and concomitant legal questions. The discovery, in 1978, of the 'Dodington', which was wrecked in 1755, has been credited as the catalyst for the first South African legislation to protect historical shipwrecks. The 'Dodington' saga is an example of the growing problem presented by advanced technology which promotes discovery of and access to underwater cultural heritage, resulting in increased commercial exploitation, and the sale, acquisition or barter of underwater cultural heritage. This paper considers the manner in which the underwater cultural heritage is regulated. At the international level, regulation, management and conservation were, until the recent (2001) adoption of the Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage, largely inadequate and piecemeal. At the municipal level, protection in South Africa is achieved through the National Heritage Resources Act. In conclusion, the paper highlights some problematic issues associated with the protection of the underwater cultural heritage with specific reference to the Convention. Notes, ref. |
