CMAS at the 3rd UN Ocean Conference in Nice
From June 9-13, 2025, ten years after the Paris Agreement, leaders from all UN member states, international organizations, civil society, and many others convened in Nice for the 3rd UN Ocean Conference. "Our Ocean" was the unifying theme.
While CMAS is naturally involved with water in many aspects, our organization specifically focused on its role in the research and protection of underwater cultural heritage at this conference. The UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage was adopted in 2001. In 2023, CMAS signed a protection agreement with UNESCO, subsequently establishing a scientific training program, among other initiatives.
The conference highlighted these training activities and, particularly, the work of Akdeniz University. Professor Hakan Öniz, Director of Underwater Cultural Heritage for the CMAS Scientific Board, and Dr. Ceyda Öztosun presented their work in several sessions. Discussions also included the training program for experts from the Ministries of Culture of African Countries (2024) and the training programs for experts from the Ministries of Culture of Central Asian Countries (2025).
Eduardo Planche and Dr. Ulrike Guerin from UNESCO both commended the collaboration with CMAS and acknowledged our organization's significant contributions. Furthermore, Dr. Emad Khalil had the opportunity to present the CMAS Underwater Cultural Heritage Book.
All sessions were well-attended, and CMAS extends its gratitude to Professor Hakan Öniz, Dr. Ceyda Öztosun, and Dr. Emad Khalil for their invaluable contributions in clarifying CMAS's vital role.
