Kyle Kennedy from The National Foundation for Marine Sciences was invited to and attended UNESCO’s (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) International Meeting on Underwater Cultural Heritage and Site Protection conference in Paris on September 22^nd and 23^rd. The meeting brought together representatives from NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), UNESCO, Foreign Ministries, INTERPOL (International Criminal Police Organization), chief archaeologists from many countries, and other national authorities. The focus of the conference was on quantification and identification of human threats to underwater cultural heritage, especially by pillaging and commercial exploration, and on preventative measures to be taken.

Kyle Kennedy commented after the conference, “Personally, this conference was an eye opening experience. After viewing destruction of historically invaluable sites from around the world by trawling from commercial fishing, mineral extraction, laying of pipelines, ISIS, and looting from treasure hunters; I have a new and profound sense of respect and appreciation for UNESCO, NOAA, and the other organizations who try desperately to preserve and protect the world’s cultural heritage. These great organizations are far outweighed by destructive damages being done around the world, are underfunded, and underappreciated. The National Foundation for Marine Sciences will make a commitment to help these heroic groups in their fight to protect and preserve underwater cultural heritage.”

Please see below for several pictures taken during the conference.