Coastal waters and communities connected by maritime heritage

MUCH Better

Layer 03 · Research and consultation

From best to better practice.

MUCH Better explores how maritime and underwater cultural heritage management can move from dominant models of “best practice” toward more situated, regional and locally meaningful forms of “better practice”.

The work focuses on approaches that are locally grounded, practically achievable and aligned with international heritage principles, while recognising the knowledge, capacities and priorities of local teams and communities.

Better practice begins with what local teams know, need and can sustain.
A sailing boat beside the fortified coast of Ilha de Moçambique Ilha de Moçambique · Photo CIE Centre

Working approach

International principles, local realities.

MUCH Better builds on CIE’s long-standing MUCH programme and gathers experience from local teams, museums, practitioners and coastal communities.

Case studies and consultation will test how international frameworks—including the UNESCO 2001 Convention—can support action without erasing differences in resources, authority, knowledge or priorities.

Expected outputs

Practice built through dialogue

The programme converts consultation into shared tools and recommendations.

01Evidence

Case studies

Locally grounded accounts of constraints, choices and workable heritage practices.

02Network

Practitioner dialogue

Seminars, interviews and trusted-network consultation across regions and institutions.

03Framework

Recommendations

Draft principles, an executive summary, publication material and a UNESCO presentation.

2026–2027 pathway

Public milestones

Each stage gathers experience, tests conclusions and prepares a practical framework.

Jul–Sep2026
Consultation

Trusted-network research

Interviews, questionnaires and a longlist of case studies.

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25 Nov2026
Paris · hybrid

Better vs Best Practices

Global round table at the Musée national de la Marine.

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Dec2026
Online seminar

Test the principles

Discuss findings and refine the draft framework with the network.

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Jun2027
Publication

Framework and presentation

Prepare publication material, an executive summary and UNESCO presentation.

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Contribute a case, constraint or better way forward.

Join the
consultation