The social and economic benefits of marine and maritime cultural heritage : towards greater accessibility and effective management /Anthony Firth

"The importance of our heritage and its relevance both to our society and to our economy is becoming increasingly recognised. Whether in our towns and cities or in rural landscapes, the character of places draws upon the past, stimulating interest and enjoyment amongst those who live there, and attracting visitors from both near and far. We seem to have lost sight, however, of just how much of our present has been shaped by our age-old relationship with the sea. The UK is surrounded by the sea. It has been fundamental to communication, to our resources, to trade and to culture for millennia. It is often said that we are a maritime nation, but what does this mean today? This report - initiated by the former British Academy & Honor Frost Foundation Steering Committee on Underwater Cultural Heritage - looks at the social and economic benefits of the UK's marine and maritime cultural heritage. Although this heritage is tremendously rich and already has a big impact, its overall contribution seems largely unrecognised. This is the first study to examine how the UK's marine and maritime cultural heritage could be better harnessed and enhanced. The report shows how we can better understand - and better appreciate - the importance and impact of marine and maritime heritage. Many of our predecessors based their communities and made a living from being at the edge of the world's seas and oceans. They left us a fascinating heritage that we can explore, enjoy and use to enrich today's society. This report seeks to identify the current contribution of marine and maritime cultural heritage whilst making the case for greater accessibility and effective management in future. The report focusses on the situation in the UK but it is hoped that it will resonate in many other places around the world where the marine and maritime past forms a vibrant part of the cultural heritage."--Provided by the publisher.