International consultations on protection of underwater archaeological sites begin in Budva

The Government of Montenegro is paying special attention to the underwater cultural heritage, recognising its potentials and financially supporting the research of our underwater and expert training - Minister of Culture Aleksandar Bogdanović and Secretary General of the Government of Montenegro Nataša Pešić said today at the International Expert Advice on the Protection of Underwater Archaeological Sites and education of professional divers in Budva.

The Ministry of Culture has recognised the extraordinary potentials of underwater archaeological heritage and, in cooperation with national and local institutions in this field, as well as partners from abroad, supports financially not only underwater archaeological research, but also education and training of experts dealing with this specific type of work, as well as the valorisation of underwater archaeological sites, Minister Bogdanović said.

The Secretary General of the Government said that the fact that this consultation is held under the auspices and with the support of the Ministry of Culture confirms that the state is paying special attention to the underwater cultural heritage.

"The aim of this expert consultation is to encourage organised protection which includes projects aimed at improving the state of underwater cultural assets, preservation, valorisation, presentation and popularisation of underwater cultural heritage, which would not be possible without educated professional divers, their knowledge and experience" - the Secretary General of the Government of Montenegro said.

The conference, which aims to familiarize with topics of protection of underwater archaeological sites, new results of underwater archaeological research in Montenegro, maritime trade through historical periods, as well as training of professional divers lasts until 20 September. The organisers of the conference are: Regional diving centre for diving and training of divers - Herceg Novi and Accademia Internazionale di Scienze e Tecniche Subacquee - Roma, sponsored by the Government of Montenegro - Ministry of Culture.