ARCHAEOMAP

The objective of ARCHAEOMAP is to develop balanced, interrelated policies with an integrated coastal zone management focus. In this context ten Mediterranean archaeological coastal pilot sites will be analysed. It aims to protect environmental resources and bio-cultural diversity, to support socio-economic development through cultural tourism. ARCHAEOMAP proposes an interdisciplinary research agenda and capacity-building aiming at improving the relationship of Mediterranean people with their marine environment. Its targets are to assess the ecological, social and economic dimensions of maritime culture loss and the reduction of this loss. The project uses its network of pilot sites as vehicles for knowledge-sharing, research and monitoring, education and training, and participatory decision-making. ARCHAEOMAP seeks to provide context-specific opportunities to combine scientific knowledge and forms of governance using an inter-disciplinary methodology. ARCHAEOMAP pilot sites can also serve as learning and demonstration sites in the framework of the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014/DESD). Piloted by an International Committee, ARCHAEOMAP will encourage an interdisciplinary focus on research in natural and social sciences, as well as demonstration and training activities involving issues of natural and cultural resource management. ARCHAEOMAP centres its interest in sustainable development, stressing importance of conservation and rational utilisation of costal zone resources. Against an interdisciplinary and intercultural backdrop referred to the UNESCO scientific coordination, the ARCHAEOMAP International Committee will encourage scientific research and collection of information without overlooking traditional knowledge of maritime resource management. Some ARCHAEOMAP’s pilot sites are inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The study of these pilot sites introduces innovation through its modern approaches aimed at conservation and sustainable development. They fall of course under the sovereign jurisdiction of the country concerned, sharing at the same time their experience and ideas at regional, national and international level. ARCHAEOMAP project will promote its large network of marine pilot sites in the Mediterranean basin, encouraging trans-boundary and serial nominations for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List.