States Parties to the 2001 Convention
Last update:18 March 2024
To date, the 2001 Convention has been ratified by 76 countries.
The ratification of the 2001 Convention by States where the looting of underwater cultural heritage and the destruction of its context are progressing rapidly, is part of the international cooperation dynamics of UNESCO and the Convention.
The Convention entered into force on January 2, 2009, for those States that have deposited their instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession in accordance with its Article 27. It enters into force for any other State three months after the deposit of its instrument of ratification, acceptance or accession.
States Parties shall:
- prevent the commercial exploitation and dispersion of underwater cultural heritage;
- guarantee that this heritage will be preserved for the future and in situ ;
- assist the tourism industry involved;
- enable capacity building and knowledge exchange; and
- enable effective international cooperation