The National Government declared this as ‘Protected Archaeological Area of the Nation’ the area where the Spanish galleon San José, sunk by English privateers on June 8, 1708 off Cartagena de Indias and found in 2015 at a depth of more than 600 meters.
“It is the first time that an area of archaeological heritage submerged at such depth has been declared, it is historic in Latin America. We already have the special underwater archaeological management plan“said the Minister of Cultures of Colombia, Juan David Correa, before the presentation of the scientific investigation of the San José galleon.
The declaration was made through resolution 0712 of 2024, the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History –ICANH-.
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With this decision, the Government seeks to recognize that in the Caribbean Sea there is a space “that“It will be protected by the Colombian State to guarantee the conservation and research that can be done on the wreck,” The general director of the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History (Icanh), Alhena Caicedo.
Belt He explained that this research project and the declaration allow the study of the shipwreck, and the assessment of the discovery as an important part of our history, based on social and cultural practices.
The protection of heritage is also guaranteed through its long-term preservation and the development of research, conservation and valuation activities, in coordination with the communities.
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The declaration -he said- andIt is a historical milestone for the management of the country’s submerged cultural heritage, being the first archaeological area protected in maritime environments and one of the few in the world in waters 600 meters deep.
In the Archaeological Management Plan Archaeological area, which was key to the declaration, is the product of the work of a diverse group of more than 20 professionals in areas such as archaeology, history, conservation, oceanography, hydrography, architecture, law, among others.
EFE
