On 19 January 2026, in two consecutive ceremonies, the documents for the official designation of the Centre for Underwater Archaeology (CUA) as a Category 2 Institute under the auspices of UNESCO, under the name “Institute for Underwater Heritage”, were formally signed.
The agreement between UNESCO and the Republic of Bulgaria was signed by UNESCO Director-General Prof. Khaled El-Enany and Bulgarian Minister of Culture Marian Bachev. Separately, the Director of the Centre for Underwater Archaeology, Dr Nayden Prahov, signed a Memorandum of Understanding between CUA and UNESCO together with UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture Ernesto Ottone. As part of the two ceremonies, bilateral meetings were also held, during which the shared commitments to promoting research and the protection of underwater and world cultural heritage were reaffirmed. Special attention was given to two key anniversaries to be marked in 2026: 70 years since Bulgaria’s accession to UNESCO and 25 years since the adoption of the Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage. One of the first tasks of the new Institute will be directly related to the celebration of these anniversaries.
The designation of Bulgaria as host of a Category 2 Institute for Underwater Cultural Heritage is further evidence of the high international recognition of the work of the Centre for Underwater Archaeology and consolidates its leading role in the research, protection, and public engagement with underwater heritage—not only in Bulgaria, but also at global level. This international achievement is the result of the long-term efforts of the staff and directors of CUA, among whom the visionary idea of Hristina Angelova to expand the Centre’s activities towards neighbouring countries deserves special recognition.
The entire team of the Institute for Underwater Heritage extends its sincere gratitude to the leadership and staff of the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as to all partners, for their unwavering support and trust over the years.
The Centre for Underwater Archaeology will officially change its name following the completion of the national ratification procedures of the agreement with UNESCO.