Daivings.lv representative Valters Preimanis On December 12, 2025, attended an extremely important industry event – the conference “Underwater cultural heritage: diversity and management challenges", which took place at the Cēsis Museum. This event highlighted the critical role of underwater archaeology and its preservation in the cultural landscape of Latvia, creating a close connection between the diving community and the world of science.
🧐 Eight lectures – From wrecks to UNESCO visions
The conference brought together researchers and experts from Latvia and other European countries, who, in eight in-depth lectures, shed light on the underwater cultural heritage protection system, its diversity, and current management challenges.
National perspective from the NKMP
Of particular interest were the presentations by representatives of the National Cultural Heritage Board (NKMP):
- Sandra Zirne (Head of the Department of Archaeology and History, archaeologist) provided a comprehensive insight into the current situation in the sector and outlined potential future development directions, emphasizing the need for active and targeted action.
- Kaspars Markus Molls (department specialist, underwater and shipwreck archaeologist) shared the known and unknown about cultural and historical wrecks In Latvian waters. This is a particularly interesting topic for divers, as many of these wrecks are accessible to us.
Insight into history and international experience
The conference provided a wide range of experiences from regional to international:
- J. Meinerts revealed the history of inland water research, especially honoring the achievements of archaeologist Jānis Apalas.
- M. Royo (Estonia/Finland) presented the UCL-Baltic project and its activities in the management of underwater cultural and historical landscapes.
- J. Auer gave insight meaning of archaeology in the offshore industry, emphasizing the potential for collaboration between researchers and business representatives.
- D. Pozins recalled the 1999/2000 shipwreck search expedition in the Baltic Sea.
- J. Marinska shared the experience of the “Domesne” association on preserving washed-up shipwrecks – an important topic that connects maritime and terrestrial heritage.
UNESCO Convention and future expeditions
At the end of the conference A. Faino and E. Planche (UNESCO) presented the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage and announced the planned international expedition in the Baltic SeaThis is significant news that confirms the international importance of our region.
⚓ What is an underwater cultural and historical landscape?
The conference explained that the underwater cultural and historical landscape is much more than just a wreck:
These are layers created by human activity – sites of naval battles, shipwrecks, flooded ancient settlements, as well as related elements outside the water, such as lighthouses and washed-up wrecks. It is a unique synthesis of values, complemented by natural values.
What does this mean for divers?
As a representative of Daivings.lv, it was important for Valters Preimanis to ensure that the diving community and archaeologists would continue to be promoted. close cooperationWe are the eyes and hands that are often the first to discover and visit these historical witnesses. Our responsible actions and communication are vital to ensuring the preservation of this heritage for future generations.
The conference was organized by the association “ICOMOS Latvia” in cooperation with the National Cultural Heritage Board.
