Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract/Objectives

Beginning in May 2025, the Center was invited by the New Taipei City Shihsanhang Museum of Archaeology to co-curate the permanent exhibition “The Exhibition of Sustainable Heritage through Underwater Archaeology.” In this collaboration, the Center primarily provided professional guidance and curatorial text related to underwater archaeology and underwater cultural heritage, assisted in the selection of exhibition content, and loaned relevant artifacts. Compared with previous underwater archaeology exhibitions in Taiwan, this exhibition places greater emphasis on the connection between underwater cultural heritage and people. For example, elementary school students were invited to contribute drawings, the efforts of local communities in supporting underwater archaeology are highlighted, and members of the underwater archaeology team share their personal work experiences and memories. Through these elements, visitors are encouraged to experience the human and empathetic dimensions of underwater archaeology. The exhibition also incorporates the most recent research findings from the Magong Harbor site and ongoing public archaeology initiatives, demonstrating the field’s continued progress and commitment to sustainable development.

Results/Contributions

The exhibition opened on December 23rd. It is scheduled to run for more than five years. It is organized into five major thematic sections:


1. The Ocean as a Hook of Curiosity

Using the illustrated children’s book The Sea’s Secret, published by the Bureau of Cultural Heritage, Ministry of Culture, this section guides elementary school students in imagining the world of underwater archaeology.


2. Sinking Does Not Mean Disappearing

This section introduces various types of underwater archaeological sites in Taiwan, including Pleistocene animal fossils from the Penghu Channel, the coastal Xiaguokeng site, and officially listed historic shipwrecks. The Bokara Steamship is featured as a representative case, with related artifacts on display.


3. From Discovery to Protection

This section explains underwater archaeological survey methods, task allocation within survey teams, and the conservation and preservation of recovered artifacts.


4. Our Stories with the Sea

Visitors are guided to understand how to report underwater archaeological discoveries and how professional institutions implement appropriate protection measures under different circumstances.


5. Sustainable 13

This section emphasizes how underwater archaeology connects with contemporary society and contributes to marine protection, ultimately striving toward the goal of sustainability.



Keywords

Underwater ArchaeologyUnderwater Cultural HeritageUnderwater Archaeology TeamPublic Education

References

1. https://www.sshm.ntpc.gov.tw/xmdoc/cont?xsmsid=0I100687155454429015&sid=0P331357307377690026

Official website-The Exhibition of Sustainable Heritage through Underwater Archaeology

Media Information

Contact Information

鄭瑩
chengying@gapp.nthu.edu.tw