{"id":234897,"date":"2025-09-30T15:33:08","date_gmt":"2025-09-30T13:33:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/heritagemalta.mt\/?post_type=news&p=234897"},"modified":"2025-09-30T15:35:30","modified_gmt":"2025-09-30T13:35:30","slug":"heritage-malta-showcases-maltas-underwater-heritage-at-osce-maritime-security-conference","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/heritagemalta.mt\/news\/heritage-malta-showcases-maltas-underwater-heritage-at-osce-maritime-security-conference\/","title":{"rendered":"Heritage Malta Showcases Malta\u2019s Underwater Heritage At Osce Maritime Security Conference"},"content":{"rendered":"
Newspost\u250230 September 2025<\/strong><\/p> Delegates were also briefed on the unit\u2019s virtual reality experiences, developed in Malta to increase public knowledge and foster appreciation of the rich heritage hidden beneath the nation\u2019s waters. They then virtually explored for themselves three iconic wrecks in Maltese waters: the SS Polyn\u00e9sien, a French WWI troopship once looted for valuables; the ORP Kujawiak (L72), a Polish WWII destroyer that is a war grave and a Potentially Polluting Wreck (PPW); and the ancient Phoenician shipwreck off Xlendi Bay, Gozo, threatened by fishing activities in the area.<\/p> <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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Heritage Malta\u2019s Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit (UCHU) represented Malta at an Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) conference in Vienna on maritime security, where experts addressed threats ranging from illicit trafficking and cyber risks to the looting of maritime heritage.<\/p>
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In their interventions, marine biologist Ella Zahra, attending in person, and Professor Timmy Gambin, UCHU Head, presenting online, highlighted Malta\u2019s innovative work in safeguarding shipwrecks, preventing looting, and promoting international Cooperation. They shared insights on the unit\u2019s cutting-edge research and conservation strategies, demonstrating how technology and cross-border collaboration are key to protecting fragile underwater sites. <\/p>
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Further information on UCHU\u2019s ongoing research, site documentation, and conservation projects \u2013 including detailed 3D scans of Maltese shipwrecks \u2013 is available at the unit\u2019s online museum www.underwatermalta.org<\/a>, which serves as a public platform for exploring and studying Malta\u2019s underwater cultural heritage.<\/p>