site.btaParliamentary Culture Committee Approves Bill Ratifying Agreement with UNESCO on Centre for Underwater Archaeology

The parliamentary Committee on Culture and Media approved, at first reading, a bill to ratify an agreement between Bulgaria and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designating the Centre for Underwater Archaeology as a Category 2 Centre under the name Underwater Heritage Institute. The proposal was adopted with 11 votes in favour, none against and no abstentions.

The Underwater Heritage Institute will promote expert networks, stakeholder training and joint initiatives in the countries of the Black Sea region and other regions where memoranda of cooperation have been signed. The Institute is expected to play a key role in advancing the sustainable management of cultural heritage and ocean research.

Deputy Culture Minister Todor Chobanov said the recognition process had been accelerated thanks to the efforts of several teams over the past year. “We shortened the usual timeframe by two years and became one of the few countries in the world with two UNESCO centres,” he noted. The project was unanimously approved at the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in November 2025 in Uzbekistan, and the agreement was signed in Paris in January. It was envisioned that Centre’s name would be changed to reflect its expanded scope of activities, he said. 

Luben Dilov of GERB-UDF said the Centre for Underwater Archaeology had great scientific capacity. While some steps remain, much has already been achieved, including securing a base and building a facility for the Centre’s specialized vessels, Dilov noted. He added that ratification would enhance Bulgaria’s international standing, describing the institute’s work as world-class.

Kostadin Hadzhiyski of Velichie expressed support for the proposal but voiced concern that members of the Governing Board might eventually not be Bulgarian nationals.

Chobanov said that it was standard practice for governing boards to include representatives and scientists from other countries for their expertise. He described the Centre as a strategic facility deserving the backing of all institutions.

Iskra Mihaylova-Koparova of Movement for Rights and Freedoms – New Beginning said UNESCO’s decision is an achievement for Bulgaria, both in showcasing national capabilities in the field of underwater heritage and in advancing the development of the entire region, as well as strengthening this country’s role in the overall operations of the Centre. Participation in the Governing Board would allow Bulgaria to take part in processes related to underwater heritage preservation, she noted.

Manol Peykov of Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria said: "This is a major step for Bulgaria’s international authority and a significant cultural and political achievement."