Vietnam’s Maritime Relics Face Threats from Theft and Lack of Resources

via Vietnam Net, 01 June 2024: Vietnam’s underwater relics, including artifacts from ancient shipwrecks, are under threat due to insufficient resources, lack of trained professionals, and increasing theft. Experts emphasize the urgent need for better funding, enhanced legal protection, and public awareness to preserve these cultural treasures. Despite recent efforts, including the establishment of the Việt Nam Centre for Underwater Archaeology, significant challenges remain in safeguarding Vietnam’s maritime heritage.

A lack of qualified human resources, equipment and funding, as well as increasing theft of antiques from shipwrecks, are hindering the protection and preservation of underwater relics, leading archaeologists have said.

Đinh Thị Thanh Nga from the Việt Nam Centre for Underwater Archaeology said the country was lacking experts well-trained in research, conservation, and preservation of maritime artefacts while speaking at a preliminary consultation workshop on maritime heritage held by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in coordination with the UNESCO Office in Việt Nam.

She said many archaeologists in the country did not directly participate in the excavation of shipwrecks, but monitored the work via control screens and examined the artefacts only after they were brought on land.

Source: All at sea: nation’s maritime relics under threat