A step closer to the convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage 2001: China's latest efforts in regulation. (January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Xintong; Chang, Yen-Chiang
• Is Part Of: Marine policy. Volume 147(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-01
• Subjects: Underwater Cultural Heritage -- China's Regulation -- Conservation in situ -- Best practice； Public participation; Marine resources -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; Fisheries -- Periodicals; Ressources marines -- Aspect économique -- Périodiques; Pêches -- Périodiques; Fisheries; Marine resources -- Economic aspects; Periodicals; 333.916405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2022.105346
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-597X

Abstract

Abstract: As the lex specialis on Underwater Culture Heritage (UCH) protection in China, the Regulation on Protection and Administration of Underwater Cultural Relics of PRC 1989 (Regulation 1989) was revised again in 2022 (Revision 2022). Comparatively, the Revision 2022 makes obvious amendments to its original version and is closer to the international convention in this field, regarding the essence and contents. This paper outlines the revision history of Regulation 1989 and the highlights of Revision 2022. By refining the rules directing underwater activities, encouraging public participation in UCH protection, restricting commercial salvage and treasure hunting and proposing the regime of UCH protection zones, the Revision 2022 bridges Chinese law and the international convention to a certain extent.