
Protecting Ocean Heritage: Latest News from CHFP Endorsed Projects
At the CHFP, we are proud to support a diverse range of projects that are advancing the protection of marine cultural heritage while addressing key challenges facing our oceans. These initiatives contribute to both the preservation of heritage and the protection of marine ecosystems. Here’s a look at the latest updates from some of our endorsed projects:
Nets for the Ocean
This project tackles the growing problem of ocean plastic pollution by collecting and repurposing discarded fishing nets, reducing environmental impact and providing income for coastal communities. In its first six months, the project collected 6 tonnes of nets, generating half a million reais (BRL) in revenue. Recently, it was recognised with Social Technology certification by Fundação Banco do Brasil, chosen from over 1,000 entries. As the project expands to two more coastal communities, it continues to show how community-driven initiatives can make a tangible difference in both environmental sustainability and social development.
Enhancing Estuary Resilience in Coastal British Columbia
This project is working across 20 unique sites, in partnership with 16 First Nations and Indigenous communities, to restore estuary ecosystems and revitalise traditional food systems. Ongoing efforts with the Cowichan Tribes focus on habitat restoration in the Cowichan Estuary, with further restoration projects planned at Gwa’dzi and Kwaluxw estuaries in collaboration with the Kwakiutl and Snaw-naw-as First Nations. These partnerships highlight the critical role of Indigenous knowledge and community involvement in preserving the health and resilience of estuaries while safeguarding cultural traditions.
The Ocean Foundation’s ‘Threats to Our Ocean Heritage’ Book Series and Workshops
The ‘Threats to Our Ocean Heritage’ project is producing an insightful book series that addresses the many threats facing our oceans’ cultural and natural heritage. The latest focus is on deep seabed mining, with a manuscript expected by the end of the year. This series aims to bring greater attention to the complex challenges of balancing human activities and the protection of our underwater heritage.
Supporting the book series are workshops that target one of the most pressing risks to ocean ecosystems: Potentially Polluting Wrecks (PPWs). These wrecks pose serious threats to marine life, coastal communities, and cultural heritage. Through Project Tangaroa, The Ocean Foundation has been convening international experts to address these risks through collaborative workshops.
- Workshop 1 (London, March 2024): This workshop focused on governance and regulation, bringing together researchers, industry experts, and policymakers to create a Global Framework for managing PPWs. The session highlighted the need for proactive risk management and policies that align with long-term resilience strategies.
- Workshop 2 (Helsinki, September 2024): With a focus on technological advancements, this workshop explored new methods for assessing and managing PPWs. The gathering provided a platform for sharing innovative solutions aimed at reducing risks while also preserving the cultural heritage linked to these wrecks.
- Workshop 3 (Malta, March 2025): The upcoming session will concentrate on archives and cultural heritage data management, focusing on how to preserve and share important historical data related to PPWs. The workshop will provide valuable insights into safeguarding underwater cultural heritage while addressing environmental threats.
Together, the book series and workshops are contributing to the global effort to protect both ocean health and marine cultural heritage.
These projects demonstrate the positive impact of collaboration between communities, researchers, and organisations in tackling pressing issues related to ocean heritage. The CHFP is committed to bringing together diverse initiatives, fostering dialogue, and supporting the collective effort to safeguard our shared ocean heritage for future generations.
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