Doha, August 17 (QNA) - Qatar Museums (QM), in collaboration with the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen, will host a public conference titled 'Coastal and Maritime Cultural Heritage in Qatar' on Thursday at the Auditorium of the National Museum of Qatar.

Organised to mark the International Day for Underwater Cultural Heritage, observed annually on 21 August, the conference reflects international efforts to raise awareness of underwater heritage as an integral part of humanity's shared cultural legacy and collective memory.

The event will bring together archaeologists and heritage specialists to present research on Qatar's coastal landscapes, maritime traditions and historic communities.

Through a series of short lectures, experts from QM's Archaeology Department and UNESCO will discuss the research, documentation, conservation and sustainable management of underwater cultural heritage.

Commenting on ongoing coastal heritage efforts, Director of the Archaeology Department at QM, Faisal Al Naimi said: "Qatar's coastal and maritime heritage is an essential part of our shared history and identity.

Through research, conservation and public engagement, we can ensure that this unique legacy is understood, protected and passed on to future generations. Our collaboration with the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen on this conference reflects our commitment to raising awareness of underwater cultural heritage and strengthening efforts to protect it."

The conference will also explore sustainable approaches to managing underwater cultural heritage, balancing protection and conservation with scientific research and public engagement.

It reflects the shared commitment of QM and the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen to the principles of the 2001 Convention, which provides an international framework for protecting underwater cultural heritage, as well as to international cooperation and knowledge exchange in archaeology and cultural heritage.

Through field excavations, scientific research, conservation and public programmes, QM's Archaeology Department continues to expand understanding of the country's past while preserving and sharing its cultural heritage.

The public is invited to attend the conference, learn more about Qatar's maritime past and engage with the experts leading this work. (QNA)