Format: Paper presentations with discussion
Convenors:
Dr Ania Kotarba-Morley
Archaeology and Curatorial and Museum Studies and Environment Institute, The University of Adelaide, Australia
ania.kotarba@adelaide.edu.au
Dr Katia Schörle
History and Archaeology of the Ancient World, Permanent Scientific Researcher at Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), France
katia.schorle@cnrs.fr
Coastal and maritime archaeological sites are among the most vulnerable cultural heritage landscapes on Earth, with many of them at risk of damage or destruction due to rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and ecological changes brought on by climate change. These pressures not only endanger tangible objects, archaeological sites and cultural landscapes but also threaten the intangible connections between coastal communities and their ancestral lands. The loss of these sites has profound implications for heritage, identity, and environmental knowledge systems, particularly for Indigenous populations whose stories and practices are intertwined with the sea.
This session will explore innovative interdisciplinary approaches to record, monitor and protect endangered coastal archaeological sites and maritime cultural landscapes. It will focus on the integration of archaeology, remote sensing, Indigenous and traditional knowledge systems, climate science, and advanced digital technologies with special attention given to how co-designed community-led or citizen science approaches can inform sustainable preservation practices and support the resilience of coastal communities.
Papers:
Balancing Conservation and Development: Protecting PVTG Community, Archaeological Sites, and Biodiversity in the Great Nicobar Island
Jayashree Mazumder, Postdoctoral fellow, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
The Great Nicobar Island, a UNESCO-recognised biodiversity hotspot, faces growing threats from climate change, habitat loss, and large-scale development (UNESCO, 2019). Among its unique fauna is the endangered Nicobar long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis umbrosus), exhibiting rare tool-use behaviours that offer insights into cognitive evolution. Using focal animal and all-occurrence sampling methods, this study documented diverse tool-use behaviours across foraging, hygiene, communication, and play, involving eight object types. These behaviours, restricted to a single site, underline the impact of ecological specificity and human pressures on behavioural expression. The island is also home to the Shompen people, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), whose semi-nomadic lifestyle relies on subsistence hunting, gathering, and horticulture. Their deep ecological knowledge is critical for both their survival and regional biodiversity. However, the Great Nicobar Project—a large-scale initiative including a transshipment port and urban infrastructure—threatens the Shompens and macaques through deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and community displacement. This study explores the intersections of macaque tool use, Shompen traditions, and ecological threats from development. It advocates interdisciplinary approaches integrating conservation, Indigenous knowledge, and technology to mitigate impacts. Policies must prioritise preserving the island’s ecological and cultural heritage, while safeguarding Indigenous rights and biodiversity.
Coastal Heritage in the Context of Sea-Level Rise: A Review of Degradation Phenomena and the Case of the ‘Tower of Ariscianne’ (Barletta, Apulia, Italy)
Arianna Lobascio, Marco Campese and Giacomo Disantarosa, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro (DIRIUM), Italy
Italo M. Muntoni, Soprintendenza archeologia, belle arti e paesaggio per le province di Barletta-Andria-Trani e Foggia (MiC), Italy
What forms of degradation of coastal cultural heritage will occur as a result of sea-level rise? Architectural and archaeological assets located in marine coastal environments are exposed to numerous risk factors that contribute to their progressive deterioration. Understanding these processes is fundamental to predicting the potential impacts of sea-level rise on cultural heritage. The aim of this study is to provide an overview, through existing scientific literature, of the degradation phenomena affecting marine underwater and coastal cultural heritage, many of which could be exacerbated by sea-level rise. The cataloguing of risk factors and forms of material degradation in these environments provides an initial record useful for heritage conservators in anticipating deterioration processes and assessing their implications for the future. The selected case study, the semi-submerged ‘Tower of Ariscianne’, near the coast of Barletta (Apulia, Italy), was examined both for the degradation phenomena visible on the structure and as part of a broader programme of reconstruction and conservation of coastal and underwater archaeological landscapes, defined through the different typologies and historical phases of coastal frequentation (port areas, settlements, production sites, routes and circulation of goods).
THETIDA Project: Using Remote Sensing and Advanced Technologies to Safeguard Arctic Heritage from Climate Change
Ionu Cristi Nicu, High North Department, Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research (NIKU), Fram Centre, N-9296 Tromsø, Norway
Paloma Guzman, Digital Archaeology Department, Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research (NIKU), Storgata 2, 0105, Oslo, Norway
Deniz Ikiz, Department of the Built Environment, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
Vassilia Karathanassi, Laboratory of Remote Sensing, National Technical University of Athens, 9 Iroon Polytechniou Str., Zographou, 15780, Athens, Greece
Tina Katika, Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS), Athens, Greece
Kostas Koukoudis, Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS), Athens, Greece
Panagiotis Michalis, Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS), Athens, Greece
The Arctic region’s cultural heritage, representing a rich international history, plays a crucial role in understanding climate impacts and shaping adaptation strategies. The THETIDA Horizon Europe project focuses on developing an integrated system for risk assessment, management, and climate adaptation of coastal heritage sites, using advanced remote sensing and digital technologies at the Svalbard pilot site-the coal cableway station at Hiorthhamn, built in 1917. The project adopts a participatory approach centred on Living Labs (LLs) and crowdsourcing tools in four points: (1) Building local ecosystems by engaging stakeholders and fostering collaborative networks; (2) Educating and training stakeholders and communities to monitor and document climate-induced environmental and socio-cultural changes using THETIDA’s technological innovations; (3) Participatory value and impact assessment, enabling stakeholders to co-evaluate heritage’s socio-cultural, economic, and environmental significance under changing climate conditions; and (4) Co-creating future scenarios and roadmaps, collaboratively developing strategies for sustainable preservation and adaptation through participatory planning and scenario storytelling. The integration of remote sensing data within the participatory frameworks has enabled the visualization of coastal erosion impacts and the development of citizen science tools. We then explore how these efforts enhance decision-making and prioritisation of climate adaptation solutions, ensuring the long-term resilience of Arctic heritage sites.
Persian Gulf Archaeological Sites at Risk: Urgent Need for Preservation
Majid Pourkerman, Research Institute of Earth Sciences – Geological Survey of Iran
Nick Marriner, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS); Université de Franche-Comté, France
Katia Schörle, History and Archaeology of the Ancient World, Permanent Scientific Researcher, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), France
Archaeological remains are invaluable assets that preserve the essence of past civilisations. They provide future generations with insights into human history, fostering an appreciation of cultural heritage and shared identity. The Persian Gulf’s significance in maritime activities during the Sassanid and Islamic periods led to the development of key harbours such as Siraf, Najirum, and Rishar along its coast. This study analysed 10 important waterfront archaeological sites, spanning from the northwestern end to the central Persian Gulf, to evaluate the impacts of natural and human activities on these ancient remains. Using satellite altimetry, climate and oceanography reanalysis models, the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI), historical satellite imagery, and deep machine learning, the findings revealed severe threats. Increased aridity and expanding oil and gas industry activities have led to extensive coastal construction, destroying over 80% of archaeological remains. Additionally, natural processes have accelerated due to a reduced sediment budget, largely caused by human-driven watershed modifications and coastal geomorphological changes. Consequently, these processes have impacted 15% of the heritage sites. Only 5% of the Persian Gulf’s ancient heritage remains intact, emphasising the urgent need for immediate action to preserve these relics before they are lost forever.
Monitoring Coastal Change and Heritage in Diembéring, Senegal
Luc Simiroré Diatta, Aix Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), IRD, INRAE, CEREGE, Aix-en-Provence, France
Coastal erosion is a long-standing phenomenon that results in a retreat of the coastline. In the commune of Diembéring, erosion is reflected in changes to the coastal landscape, with sporadic breaches threatening existing heritage. These changes have repercussions for the cultural and religious practices of the local population, whose rice-growing plots and certain worship areas are located just a few metres from the shore. The commune of Diembéring, and the Lower Casamance in general, is characterised by the richness of its natural landscape and cultural heritage, with a concentration along the coast of tourist areas, residential sectors, fishing quays, rice-growing areas and ‘natural’ spaces preserved for cultural and religious rituals. Today, with the intensification of extreme phenomena such as storm Fred in 2015, this heritage is more than threatened. Aware of the impact of this phenomenon on their day-to-day activities, local populations have implemented adaptation strategies to mitigate the effects of erosion. Using an approach that combines remote sensing, cultural heritage and Indigenous environmental knowledge, we can monitor shoreline dynamics and ‘assess’ the effectiveness of local knowledge and practices in protecting assets and heritage.
Coastal Archaeology of Lauru (Choiseul), Solomon Islands: Using Ethnoarchaeology and Community-centred Research to Preserve the Country’s Last Pottery-making Tradition
Dr Charles J. T. Radclyffe, Archaeology Programme/Mātai Whaipara Takata, University of Otago/Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, Aotearoa/New Zealand
The loss of coastal archaeological sites and intangible cultural heritage is an increasing humanitarian concern for Pacific Island countries. In Solomon Islands, research has shown climate change-induced sea level rise, extreme weather events, as well as extractive industries and increasing youth migration to be some of the leading causes of this decline. In the country’s northern province of Lauru (Choiseul), some of the most threatened heritage include old pottery-bearing coastal village sites, ranging in age from first Austronesian settlement over 2500 years ago to the recent past, and the intangible craft-based knowledge associated with these once vibrant maritime interaction networks. This paper examines the vulnerable status of Indigenous coastal archaeological sites of Lauru, placing emphasis on ongoing community efforts to preserve the country’s last traditional practice of pottery making survived by less than a dozen women in the village of Chirovanga. Findings from two recent seasons of ethnoarchaeological research (visual documentary, survey/excavations) carried out in northern Lauru will be presented. This will be in conjunction with the research project’s broader aims to blend archaeological and Indigenous knowledges through the co-designing of educational and cultural resources, and by exploring cultural tourism as avenue to help preserve the tradition.
Safeguarding Endangered Coastal Cultural Landscapes: Integrating Archaeology, Indigenous Knowledge, Climate Science, and Digital Technologies in the Kaurareg Archipelago
Ania Kotarba-Morley, Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, Australia
Enid Tom, Junior Rangers Coordinator, Kaurareg Native Title Aboriginal Corporation, Australia
Saliman Binjuda, Rangers Coordinator, Kaurareg Native Title Aboriginal Corporation, Australia
Michael C. Westaway, School of Social Sciences, University of Queensland, Australia
Liam Brady, Archaeology, Flinders University, Australia
Kaurareg Native Title Aboriginal Corporation, Australia
Coastal archaeological sites worldwide are increasingly threatened by climate change, especially rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and intensified storm events. The impacts are particularly pronounced in Australia’s Torres Strait Islands, including the culturally rich Kaurareg Archipelago. Past and recent collaborative fieldwork with the Kaurareg community has documented significant damage to key heritage sites, including ancestral burials, rock art, shell middens, and ceremonial landscapes, highlighting profound implications for community identity and cultural continuity. Our recent archaeological surveys and rescue excavations on Murulag (Prince of Wales Island) have revealed extensive erosion and site deterioration, including culturally critical locations like Long Beach burial sites and significant midden complexes with evidence of ancient marine subsistence practices. By proposing integration of advanced digital documentation techniques such as 3D photogrammetry, UAV mapping, and remote sensing, alongside Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITK), we hope to establish detailed baselines to assess current and future site vulnerability. Looking ahead, our research aims to further refine predictive GIS-based risk assessments and expand the use of AI-enhanced satellite data monitoring. Through these combined approaches, we seek to strengthen community-led heritage management practices and Indigenous governance frameworks, ensuring proactive preservation and sustainable adaptation strategies.
To Dig or Not to Dig: The Dilemma of Conducting Geophysical Survey at Fort Prinzenstein, Keta, Volta Region: A Conservationist Approach
Benedicta Gokah, Dept of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Ghana
Coastal erosion and rising sea levels have affected many tangible and intangible heritage in many parts of the world including Ghana. This led to the loss of some heritage and other valuable properties. Keta, in the Volta Region embedded with many tangible and intangible heritage has major parts of the community inundated in water. The Allada quarter, where different ethnic groups lived, worked and traded is submerged. Government’s construction of a Sea Defence Wall has preserved properties on one side, but neighbouring communities like Kedzikope, Abutiakope, and other sites still have issues with seasonal tidal waves destroying properties. Historical monuments like Fort Prinzenstein Est 1784, the Evangelical Presbyterian church and schools have vestiges, evidence of their presence during the transatlantic slave trade and colonial period respectively. Tidal waves keep destroying properties which needs to be urgently curtailed to avoid losing these communities. This research uses geophysical survey as a method to identify potential remains that have been embedded in the ground by the perennial erosion and tidal waves. The result shows potential archaeological remains that could be human remains who were buried during the period of the slave trade and probable the colonial time around the premises of Fort Prinzenstein.