Page 391 - Green - Maritime Archaeology: A Technical Handbook. 2nd ed

370 Maritime Archaeology: A Technical Handbook, Second Edition
recognize the benefits of preserving sites. Without the support of some local group, it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to effect change.
Naturally, with management, comes the need for legislation and effective processes to preserve the underwater cultural heritage. The recent convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage (adopted on 2 November 2001 by the General Conference of UNESCO at its 31st session) will have an enormous impact at an international level (see Chapter 16, Legislation). These objectives cannot be achieved without implementing a program to change existing attitudes toward shipwreck material—a long, difficult, and complex process. Attitudes can be changed, albeit slowly, and it is important that such programs are undertaken to start the process at the local level. When this is done, the programs can be sup- ported through international efforts. It is no good waiting for some big international organization to provide funds to do the basic groundwork. If the basic groundwork can be done then it may be possible to access other funding sources to support the work.
Three avenues in which to effect change are education, legislation, and community participation. Each of these will be discussed in detail later. It must be emphasized at the outset that the traditional method of relying on legislation alone to preserve shipwreck sites rarely works. Legislative mea- sures will only succeed if supported by education programs to promote a change in public attitudes (for divers and non-divers alike) and to encour- age community involvement. Legislation still has an important role to play in the management of sites. It provides the legal framework for site man- agement, defines the management process, encourages the positive aspects of preservation and, ultimately, makes provision for punishing miscreants.
The following is one of a number of different approaches. Different countries and different situations will require different approaches. What is described here is the situation where there is no management so one is start- ing from the beginning. It is not the only plan that could be developed, but it can be used as a theoretical starting point from which more complex sit- uations can be considered. The first part outlines a management plan to deal with the underwater cultural heritage, the second part details a methodol- ogy to achieve the objectives of the plan, and finally, there is a discussion on structure and strategic goals for such a program.
II. OUTLINE OF GENERAL OBJECTIVES
The general objective in managing underwater cultural heritage is to develop a plan that will ensure long-term protection. In formulating such a plan, and in the program that follows, it is important to ensure that a balance is achieved between the operation of management and the archaeological