Mission and Vision

Mission

The International Centre for Underwater Archaeology in Zadar works to protect, study and preserve underwater cultural heritage in Croatia; to develop international professional and research collaboration and education in the field of underwater archaeology and conservation of underwater heritage; to present and popularise underwater heritage among the public at large and to promote the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage.

Vision

The International Centre for Underwater Archaeology in Zadar aims to preserve and promote underwater cultural heritage in Croatia, the Mediterranean and Europe.

Main objectives of ICUA

• promote vigorously the 2001 Convention and its implementation in the European Union, Southeast Europe and in other Member States of UNESCO;
• function as focal point and provide a platform for dialogue and participation in the field of underwater archaeology within the European Union, Southeast Europe and worldwide;
• train underwater archaeologists and conservation specialists, nationally and internationally, practically and theoretically;
• improve, through the fostering of international cooperation, scientific research on underwater cultural heritage sites, analysis of finds and their presentation and restoration of objects recovered from the water, as well as to initiate and/or join international efforts in this area;
• foster and facilitate the exchange of knowledge in the discipline of underwater archaeology in the European Union, Southeast Europe and in State Parties to the 2001 Convention;
• manage efficiently the new complex and use its premises to organize regional and international conferences and workshops, as well as local events and exhibitions aimed at raising awareness on the underwater cultural heritage and educate the public at large.