Paris Conference and Evening Event on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage

An information meeting on the 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage will be opened by the Director-General and held with all Permanent Delegates and Observers to UNESCO on Friday, 23 November 2007 at 5.00 p.m. in Room XII (Fontenoy).

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the status of ratification and implementation of the 2001 Convention as well as to prepare for the entry into force of the Convention.

The afternoon meeting will be followed by a reception at 7.00 p.m. and an Evening Event with the title "A Dive in the Planet Blue - A status report on new discoveries, the work of underwater archaeologists, underwater museums and the damage caused by treasure hunters" beginning at 7.30 p.m. in the same room for delegations, observers and the general public.

In the course of the evening, international experts will provide an overview of the latest developments in underwater archaeology, the construction of underwater museums, and recent significant discoveries, while underlining the importance of ratifying the UNESCO 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage.

Simultaneous interpretation of the proceedings will be provided in English and French.

§         Information Meeting at 5.00 p.m.

§         Reception at 7 p.m.

§         Evening Event at 7.30 p.m.

Date and place: 23 November 2007, Paris, France, UNESCO Headquarters, 7, place de Fontenoy, Room XII

(Source: portal.unesco)