San Cristóbal de La Laguna in Tenerife will host its first Underwater Archaeology Conference on 21 August, marking a significant step in celebrating the newly established UNESCO International Day of Underwater Cultural Heritage.
The event, organised by the Association for the Development of the Underwater Archaeological Charter of Tenerife (CASTF) and supported by the Cultural Heritage Department, aims to position the municipality as a leader in both historical preservation and marine heritage. Participants will include notable institutions such as the Ministry of Culture, the Navy, and the University of Murcia’s Chair of Naval History and Heritage.
“This event underscores La Laguna’s commitment to protecting our cultural legacy and acknowledges the maritime heritage that plays a part in our Atlantic history,” said Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez. He noted that linking the town’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its coastal history opens up new opportunities for scientific and cultural exploration.
Cultural Heritage Councillor Adolfo Cordobés added that the event allows La Laguna to present its diverse heritage, which extends beyond its historical centre to include urban, rural, pre-Hispanic, ethnographic, and maritime aspects. He highlighted the importance of raising public awareness about underwater heritage as a source of knowledge and memory.
The conference coincides with the 25th anniversary of the 2001 Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage and will take place in the former Santo Domingo convent from 5pm. Entry is free until capacity is reached, and the event will be streamed live on YouTube.
The programme promises a diverse and innovative approach, featuring talks on specialized associations, conservation issues, and comparisons with other regions, as well as insights into the Canarian perspective on underwater heritage.
