Le patrimoine culturel subaquatique en Tunisie : défis et opportunités (Étude de cas : le littoral nord et le Cap Bon)

Abstract

Abstract This article summarises the research, protection, enhancement and awareness-raising activities carried out on coastal and submerged archaeological sites and wrecks discovered on the northern and Cap Bon coasts in Tunisia. The objective of these activities is to better understand and protect the underwater cultural heritage, while ensuring its preservation for future generations. The article also highlights the policy put in place by the supervisory institution to ensure an integrated and sustainable management of this heritage, despite the challenges it faces, in accordance with the principles of the 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage, ratified by Tunisia in 2009. Furthermore, the article stresses the importance of coordinating the conservation of this heritage with local development, while promoting responsible tourism practices, as part of Tunisia's active search to enhance its tourism and cultural potential – as a source of sustainable development in the coastal and maritime areas concerned.