This thesis concerns research into underwater cultural heritage management (hereafter UCHM) in the Caribbean Netherlands after the 10th of October 2010, the day when Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius...Show moreThis thesis concerns research into underwater cultural heritage management (hereafter UCHM) in the Caribbean Netherlands after the 10th of October 2010, the day when Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius became special municipalities of the Netherlands. The research encompasses an overview of the known and unknown (expected) underwater cultural resources, based on the history of the islands, its natural environment, archaeological research, and information dispersed by marine parks and diving organisations. Secondly, a legal framework has been created and shows to what extent national laws and local bylaws provide protection of underwater cultural heritage, and how international treaties (such as the 1992 Valletta Convention and the 2001 UNESCO Convention) herein play part. Third, an overview of stakeholders is presented, including the way in which they are involved with UCHM; it concerns mainly the municipalities, governmental institutions, archaeological institutions, marine parks and diving organisations. This research provides an overview of the above; given that until present not much is known about the processes of UCHM in the Caribbean Netherlands. Despite the fact that underwater research in the past has shown that such heritage has to be protected against different threats (such as looting or infrastructural developments), its measures are not completely examined. Therefore, this research encompasses the measures that have been taken by means of legislation and other management tools, such as spatial planning, policy, collaboration, distribution of knowledge and public support. In addition, the tasks of the government and the contribution of archaeological institutions are examined. This contains the publishing of research, storage of finds and documentation, the use of databases, public outreach and quality standards for archaeology. The research ends with a discussion in which it becomes clear to what extent UCHM in the Caribbean Netherlands has made progress, and in which spheres it can be improved.Show less
