The effects of climate change on coastal and underwater cultural heritage will be explained at COP31

At the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) of the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change, to be held in Antalya, hosted by Türkiye, the effects of climate change on coastal and underwater cultural heritage will be brought to the agenda through scientific studies.

Akdeniz University Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage and Head of Excavations Assoc. Dr. Hakan Öniz told the AA correspondent that the effects of climate change are clearly seen in the archaeological artifacts found on the coasts and underwater.

Pointing out that the effects of natural disasters have increased in recent years, Öniz stated that shipwrecks in shallow waters, as well as ancient harbors and breakwaters, have been damaged by storms, tornadoes and floods.

Öniz said, "Archaeological values ​​under water and on the coast are affected by climate change. We have been observing this very clearly for 20 years. Especially if shipwrecks are at shallow depths or if there are coastal structures such as ancient harbors and breakwaters, all of these are clearly affected by storms, increasing tornadoes and floods." he said.

Awareness will be raised with a book and photo exhibition at COP31

Öniz stated that, as the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) Underwater Cultural Heritage Commission, they prepared a book about the effects of climate change on coastal and underwater cultural heritage, and that the book was published with the support of AXA.

Stating that the book will be presented to decision makers and visitors within the scope of COP31, Öniz said:

"At COP31, we will share the book we have prepared on the effects of climate change on cultural heritage, especially with the decision makers who will be in the blue zone where the Leaders Summit will be held. All COP31 visitors will be able to access our book via QR code. We will also organize a session about the book we prepared on behalf of ICOMOS. We will discuss the issue with our colleagues from Azerbaijan, Italy, Spain and Poland, with the support of the Turkish Culture and Heritage Foundation, our university and the Turkish National Commission for UNESCO."

Explaining that information will be given to visitors and the book will be distributed at the stands to be established in the COP31 area, Öniz stated that the subject will also be conveyed through visual presentations.

Stating that the book will be promoted as part of the side events of the conference, Öniz said, Dr. He stated that in the article they prepared with Ceyda Öztosun, the effects of climate change on the cultural heritage in Türkiye, the Black Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean were discussed.

Öniz added that videos about shipwrecks are shown on digital panels at Antalya Airport, and that a photo exhibition about the effects of climate change on underwater cultural heritage will be opened at the domestic flights terminal on November 13.