Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage in French Polynesia: Fifteen Years of Work by GRAN

Abstract

Since March 12, 2004, French Polynesia has been an “Overseas Country” (formerly an overseas territory) within the French Republic. It is a freely and democratically self-governing autonomous overseas community. The High Commissioner of the Republic is the representative of the State and holds its powers. More simply, the State is responsible for all matters relating to nationality and civil rights; justice; foreign policy; defense and security; currency; some air transport and maritime regulations; municipal administration; the public service; audiovisual communication; and finally, university education and research. Archaeological research, on the other hand, is the responsibility of French Polynesia. The regulations governing underwater archaeology are, however, the same as those in effect in metropolitan France. The Heritage Code has been in effect in French Polynesia since 2004. It includes Consolidated Law No. 89-874 of December 1, 1989 on maritime cultural property, which has been in effect in the territory for more than ten years.