CHFP Announces Four New Endorsed Actions Supporting Sustainable Oceans

The CHFP is pleased to announce the endorsement of four new Actions, furthering the vision of the UN Ocean Decade. These newly endorsed Actions—WreckLife, Women, Heritage & Navigation in the Pacific, Yagarrajalajalan nagula buru, and Recovering and Reusing Ghost Nets—reflect a diverse mix of technical innovations and cultural traditions. Spanning from deep-sea wrecks to Indigenous knowledge and cross-cultural collaborations, these projects make significant contributions to marine cultural heritage and sustainability.

1. WreckLife

Led by Heritage Malta, the WreckLife project aims to enhance understanding of the interactions among historically significant shipwrecks in Maltese waters and their degradation effects on marine organisms and environments. This project will:

• Utilise legacy data and create new baseline datasets to predict future wreck site degradation.
• Develop mitigation strategies from a cultural heritage management perspective.
• Protect benthic communities thriving at these underwater sites.

The project employs a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to address seabed pollution and preserve these culturally significant sites.

2. Women, Heritage & Navigation in the Pacific

Universitat Pompeu Fabra leads this project to investigate the role of Indigenous women in maritime activities across the Pacific Islands. This study will:

• Use historical maritime archaeological methods to highlight Indigenous women’s knowledge and its importance for environmental security.
• Align with the UN’s Science-Policy Platform to offer solutions for ecological challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.

The project aims to emphasize the spiritual and practical connections between Indigenous peoples and their ocean environments.

 

3. Yagarrajalajalan nagula buru

Co-led by Murdoch University and Nyamba Buru Yawuru, this project focuses on integrating social, cultural, and ecological research for marine and coastal management in Western Australia. It will:

• Explore effective co-management practices for green turtles and dugongs in Roebuck Bay, balancing cultural, recreational, and environmental values.
• Develop strategies for collaboration and conflict resolution among diverse stakeholders, including Traditional Owners and government bodies.

The project aims to deliver tangible benefits and serve as a model for cross-cultural socio-ecological research.

 

4. Recovering and reusing ghost nets (NETS FOR THE OCEAN)

Based in Brazil, Marulho is innovatively addressing marine pollution by recycling discarded fishing nets. The project will:

• Engage with local communities to develop innovative and beneficial solutions.
• Create sustainable products from recycled nets.
• Raise awareness about ghost fishing and its impact on marine biodiversity.
• Collaborate with partners to enhance livelihoods and conserve ocean ecosystems.

Marulho’s efforts contribute significantly to mitigating ghost fishing and promoting ocean sustainability.

 

These endorsed Actions reflect the CHFP’s commitment to advancing marine cultural heritage and environmental stewardship within the sustainable development of the ocean. For more information about these projects and their impact, please visit our ‘Endorsed Actions’ page.