SOLOMON Islands is well underway in its internal processes to ratify three UNESCO cultural heritage conventions, according to Education Minister Mathew Wale.
Mr Wale was speaking at the opening of a UNESCO workshop held at the Pacific Casino Hotel last week.
He said the internal process to ratify include the 2001 convention on the protection of underwater cultural heritage.
“Cultural Heritage is an integral part of human existence and community, whether it be Underwater, Intangible or Tangible,” Mr Wale said.
“This is why it is a big deal, and we must make a big deal out of it.”
The three-day workshop focused on the theme “towards the protection of underwater cultural heritage in the Pacific” and was attended by participants from various Pacific countries.
“I’ am sure you will find answers to some of these questions, in the discussions and deliberations during the workshop as you tried to collectively find strategies for the protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage in our beautiful but threatened region,” the minister said.
“When we talk about Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage in the Pacific, we refer to the following:
“The Underwater residential sites -These are Islands and villages that were submerged due to climate change for 50-100 years. Some examples in Solomon Islands are the artificial Islands of Langa langa Lagoon and Lau Lagoon on Malaita Province and Roviana Lagoon in the Western Province. How we can ensure these residential sites are protected.
“The underwater religious sites -These are usually reserved for traditional/cultural rituals. Here in the Solomon Islands this has included shark calling, whale calling and crocodile calling. How can these sites be protected and their spiritual connection to the community enhanced.
“The Underwater Wreckage Sites -These are wreckages from the era of early explorers. Again, in Solomon Islands the La Perouse expedition wreckage in Vanikoro, Temotu Province is an example.”
Mr Wale said there are Second World War wrecks in a number of countries in the Pacific that need to be protected.
By EDNAL PALMER
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