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GCIL HOME   HIGHLIGHTS AGREEMENT ON THE CONSERVATION OF ALBATROSSES AND PETRELS PAPAHANAUMOKUAKEA MARINE MONUMENT R.M.S. TITANIC SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS SUBJECT AREAS Antarctic Arctic Biological Diversity Climate Change Environment and Trade Extraterritorial Appl. of Laws Fisheries Heritage Marine Debris Marine Mammals Marine Pollution Marine Protected Areas Marine Turtles Marine Scientific Research Seabed Management Seabirds Ships, Regulation of Survey and Charting Treaties Underwater Sound Zones and Boundaries ACRONYMS REFERENCES

HERITAGE: NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES The Office of General Counsel for International Law The concept of heritage evokes images of monuments, historic buildings and other cultural property on terrestrial sites. However, under the 1972 World Heritage Convention, it includes natural and cultural resources and sites which are so special that there is interest in preserving them for future generations. The interest in protecting heritage is increasingly extending to the marine environment. The U.S. has nominated the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument for listing as a World Heritage Site for the outstanding universal value of its natural and cultural heritage. Concern for looting and unwanted salvage led to the development of the UNESCO 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH), the International Agreement on RMS Titanic as well as the NOAA RMS Titanic Guidelines and the Administration’s proposed RMS Titanic implementing legislation. The Law of the Sea Convention, particularly Article 149 and Article 303, provides the international legal framework for these and other international agreements protecting UCH. Additional reference information: Japanese Midget Sub President's 2001 Statement on Sunken Warships 2004 Sunken Military Craft Act Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) NOAA Maritime Heritage Program Varmer, Ole. 2006. "Perspective Across the Atlantic: UNESCO Convention." Varmer, Ole. 2006. "RMS Titanic. Underwater Cultural Heritage at Risk." Varmer, Ole. 2006. "Protection of UCH Consistent with International Law." Varmer, Ole. 2007. "Law of the Sea and Protecting Titanic and other Deep Water Sites. Extra-territorial Protection of Heritage in Deep Water Consistent with International Law."