Within the framework of the CADMOS-S Project on “Maritime Archeology in Sidon and Tyre,” a collaboration between the National Council for Scientific Research – Lebanon (CNRS-L) and the Honor Frost Foundation (HFF); a Seminar on the Management of Research Data at Sea was held on January 27, 2017.
Lebanon is a country rich in history and heritage – both tangible and intangible - that has spanned from pre-history, Phoenician eras, up to the Ottoman Period and beyond.
Within the present capabilities of the CANA-CNRS vessel in coastal bathymetry it was possible to extend the activities of the Vessel and the expertise of its researchers and crew towards exploring and undertaking explorations for mapping submerged plateaus in Sidon and Tyre that may be of archeological importance. In addition, and using a Remotely Operated vehicle, visual inspections of targets and areas are also possible.
Within this new endeavor of the CADMOS-S Project, research and data collected on submarine archeology and palaeo-landscapes poses great opportunities to understanding our history and culture heritage, while at the same time raises new concerns about the Management of Research Data at Sea. The seminar was an opportunity to elaborate on some of these challenges from both an international and national perspective.
Esteemed speakers and guests elaborated on the various international and national opportunities and legislation for Under Water Cultural Heritage (UwCH). Mr. Elie Jarmache, legal expert, elaborated on the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS, 1982) and the UNESCO 2001 Convention for the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage, their articulation, the challenges raised by their implementation, and the role and jurisdiction of the coastal states. Mr. Sarkis Khoury, Director General of the DGA, in turn elaborated on Lebanese Laws for the protection of archeological heritage and its challenges and extension in the fields of UwCH. Mr. Alexandre Sursock, CNRS-L Senior Consultant and CANA Task Manager, discussed the importance of the data collected at sea, its management and control for research purposes. While Mr. George Papthedorou, University of Patras, Greece, took stock of both international, EU and national legislation governing underwater exploration of archeological heritage and their protection in Greece, stressing on the important role of both local authorities for the protection of UwCH, and the awareness and education of the public in these matters.