Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage'

The 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage entered into force in 2009. Little is known of how, or even if, it is being implemented. This study examines the implementation of the Convention in its States Parties and investigates the reasons behind the observed levels of implementation. Through an investigation of the presence or absence of certain indicators in the national legislation of States Parties to the Convention, it is apparent that there is a low level of compliance with the 2001 Convention. Further, the Convention has so far had a very limited legal effect. From this examination of legal effectiveness, conclusions about the interpretation of certain ambiguous provisions of the Convention are also possible. In particular, there are a small number of indications that the ambiguities in Articles 9 and 10 of the Convention are being interpreted in favour of the coastal State, suggesting an increasing territorialisation of the EEZ. Interviews of relevant actors were conducted in five case study States. This allowed an examination of the other effects of the Convention and causes of the lack of implementation to be suggested. It is concluded that it is largely factors relating to the States themselves, most notably issues with capacity, that are causing this lack of effect. Finally, suggestions are made which could improve the effectiveness of the Convention and increase the protection of underwater cultural heritage around the world.

The article at hand concerns itself with evaluating the impact the State Cooperation System has had on how underwater cultural heritage is dealt with in international waters. A total of six researched cases, including the infamous Titanic and the currently controversial San José, attest that the notion of the Coordinating State has yet to deliver a higher standard of protection for cultural assets underwater. Also, generic ramifications caused by the superficial configuration of the treaty, such as disregarding private stakeholders and elements of bureaucracy, are identified. The discontent with cooperative jurisdictional provisions seems to be omnipresent. This affirms the need for reforming the Convention itself, even in consideration of the sixth Meeting of State Parties’ Draft Ratification and Implementation Strategy. In order to provide a workable proposal for reform, the authors acknowledge the potential role model effect of existing systems of shared jurisdiction. In conclusion, it is suggested to upgrade the convention’s Scientific and Technical Advisory Body (STAB) and assign it the identification of underwater cultural heritage, notifying state parties with a verifiable link to the heritage site as well as taking emergency measures. This is consistent with missions the STAB has already deployed to assist state parties on-site and preliminary deliberations to strengthen the support and funding of the STAB in the aforementioned Draft Ratification and Implementation Strategy.

At the end of the first decade of the 21st century, the 2009 ratification of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage (2001) created a turning point for maritime heritage management globally. However, in the Caribbean region on a local level many small islands are disadvantaged. Management strategies are poorly defined but even more fundamental is the absence of information on the type and nature of the resource to be managed. This thesis looks at the state of heritage management on Anguilla, a 34 mi2 island in the Lesser Antilles, and the process of developing a system for heritage management where no precedent exists. Analysis is based on participant observation and the local response to two field projects, a Shipwreck Survey to record previously undocumented underwater cultural heritage in 2009, and a land-based heritage trail (2010), both of which were completed during a 2 ½ year residency on Island. The first two chapters provide critical background data into the regional and international state of heritage management, the reasons for choosing Anguilla, and the island’s maritime heritage past and present. This history sets the stage for chapter 3, which presents the results of the 2009 Shipwreck Survey. Recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of this initiative, the following two sections are devoted to recognizing the reasons why heritage management has not developed earlier and suggests future solutions. Piloting a theory for heritage management, chapter six describes the Anguilla Heritage Trail, while the following chapters describe a heritage management strategy on Anguilla for the future. This provides a practical example of how the principles of the 2001 UNESCO Convention, particularly its Annex, may be applied and realized in areas with little infrastructure and/or previous experience managing cultural resources.

Die Bewahrung des kulturellen Erbes ist eine der wichtigsten Aufgaben der Menschheit. Dennoch leidet Kulturgut an illegalem Handel, wird unrechtmäßig ins Ausland verbracht und nicht an die Ursprungsstaaten zurückgegeben. Mit dem Ziel der Stärkung des Kulturgüterschutzes wird in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland derzeit an einem neuen einheitlichen Gesetz gearbeitet, das alle bestehenden deutschen Gesetze in diesem Problemfeld umfassen soll. Das neue Gesetz soll 2016 in Kraft treten. Der momentan vorliegende Gesetzesentwurf wird in den Medien kontrovers diskutiert. Das neue Gesetz soll unter anderem der besseren Umsetzung des UNESCO-Übereinkommens über Maßnahmen zum Verbot und zur Verhütung der unzulässigen Einfuhr, Ausfuhr und Übereignung von Kulturgut dienen. Dieses Übereinkommen (weiter in der Arbeit auch als UNESCO-Konvention bezeichnet) unterzeichneten die UNESCO-Mitgliedstaaten im Jahr 1970, um das Kulturgut vor illegalem Handel zu schützen. Bis jetzt wurde die Umsetzung der Konvention in Deutschland von der internationalen Gemeinschaft stark kritisiert. Es kam nämlich trotz mehrerer Anträge zur keinen einzigen Rückgabe von Kulturgut an die Ursprungsländer, vor allem wegen des deutschen Listenprinzips (Erfordernis der Eintragung ausländischer Kulturgüter in Listen). Allerdings stößt nicht nur die Umsetzung, sondern auch das UNESCO-Übereinkommen an sich auf Kritik. Die Konvention von 1970, die zur Zeit ihrer Entstehung ein bahnbrechendes Rechtsinstrument war, zog neue Vertragsstaaten allerdings nur langsam an und wies viele Mängel auf. Dennoch bemüht sich die UNESCO mit diversen Mitteln seit mehr als 40 Jahren darum, das Übereinkommen zu reformieren. Viele Hoffnungen auf die Verbesserung dessen Implementierung sind mit der Tätigkeit der Vertragsstaatenkonferenz und des von ihr im Jahr 2012 gegründeten beratenden Ausschusses verbunden.

La diversité biologique connaît un schéma d'érosion face auquel la communauté internationale tente de lutter. Depuis quelques années, les communautés locales et autochtones sont reconnues comme un modèle de conservation et d'utilisation durable de cette diversité. Elles recréent, expriment et transmettent des connaissances et pratiques de gestion des ressources naturelles depuis des temps immémoriaux pour certaines. En 2003, la Convention pour la sauvegarde du patrimoine culturel immatériel (ci-après « Convention PCI ») est adoptée afin de préserver ce patrimoine qui est lui aussi sur le point de disparaître en raison de l'acculturation, la mondialisation, la déforestation, etc. Malgré la relation d’interdépendance qui caractérise certains éléments du patrimoine culturel immatériel (ci-après « PCI ») avec les éléments matériels naturels auxquels ils sont associés, la Convention ne guide pas ses Parties vers la reconnaissance et préservation de cette relation. Plus précisément, elle ne guide pas ses Parties vers la conservation et l’utilisation durable de l’ensemble des éléments de la biodiversité nécessaires à la sauvegarde du PCI (réseau de vie). C’est pourquoi, certains pourraient s’interroger sur la capacité de la Convention PCI à sauvegarder le PCI associé à la biodiversité ? A l’heure de l’extinction des espèces et de la raréfaction des connaissances et pratiques « traditionnelles », il apparaît primordial de faire évoluer la mise en œuvre de la Convention par une révision de ses Directives opérationnelles chargées de préciser les engagements des Parties et régulièrement amendées par le Comité intergouvernemental de sauvegarde du PCI et l’Assemblé générale des États parties à la Convention vers une sauvegarde mieux adaptée au PCI associé à la biodiversité. L’approche par écosystème développée sous l’empire de la Convention sur la diversité biologique (ci-après « CDB ») dont les objectifs sont la conservation, l’utilisation durable de la biodiversité et le partage juste et équitable des avantages découlant de l’utilisation des ressources naturelles sert de base à cette proposition de révision des directives de la Convention PCI. L’approche permet de gérer des écosystèmes considérés comme des réseaux de vie dont les Hommes et la diversité culturelle sont un élément à part entière
The international community is trying to fight the current pattern of biodiversity erosion. In recent years, local and indigenous communities have been recognized as models in the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. Some of them have been recreating, expressing and transmitting knowledge and natural resources management practices for centuries. In 2003, the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (hereinafter “ICH Convention”) was adopted in order to preserve this heritage, which is also on the verge of disappearing due to acculturation, globalization, deforestation, etc. Despite the interdependent relationship which characterizes certain elements of intangible cultural heritage (hereinafter “ICH”) with the natural material elements associated to it, the Convention does not guide its Parties towards the recognition and preservation of this unique relationship. More specifically, it does not guide them towards the conservation and sustainable use of the elements of biodiversity that are necessary to the safeguarding of ICH (considered as a network of life). This is why, some might question the capacity of the ICH Convention to safeguard ICH associated with biodiversity? At a time when species and tradition knowledge and practices are going extinct, it is essential to refine the implementation of the Convention by a revision of its Operational Directives responsible for specifying the commitments of the Parties – and which are regularly amended by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of ICH and the General Assemble of State Parties to the Convention – towards a better suited safeguarding of ICH associated with biodiversity. The ecosystem approach developed for the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (hereinafter “CBD”) – whose objectives are the conservation, sustainable use of biodiversity and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits obtained from the use of natural resources – is the basis for this proposal to revise the Operation Directives of the ICH Convention. This approach allows the sustainable management of ecosystems considered as being networks of life including humans and their biodiversity

This thesis deals with the possibility of the inscription of the Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord in Vinohrady to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The church is a piece of work of the well-known Slovenian architect Josip Plečnik. The church's nomination is being prepared in cooperation with Slovenia where Plečnik's churches are also aimed to be nominated to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The work is focused on evaluation of outstanding universal value based on which the church meets some established criteria that are essential for the nomination to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Moreover, it also warns about the possible impacts which are closely connected with the inscription to this prestigious list. Thus, it suggests some recommendations which could eliminate those negative consequences. The final part of the work concentrates on proposing some thematic projects that strive to connect this church to the religion tourism in the Czech Republic and in Europe. The goal of these projects is to increase the awareness of this church among the public.

Vingt-cinq ans après la ratification de la Convention de l'Unesco de 1970 et un an après celle de la Convention d'Unidroit de 1995 par l’État colombien, il est pertinent de réaliser un état des lieux du droit du patrimoine culturel colombien et de son appréhension des problématiques liées à la circulation des biens archéologiques et à leur transfert de propriété. Si ces vestiges appartiennent incontestablement à la Nation depuis 1991, leur protection constitutionnelle ne suffit pas à satisfaire la politique nationaliste que ce pays-source souhaiterait mener. Le questionnement est donc double : d'une part, celui du régime juridique auquel les biens archéologiques sont soumis sur le territoire national et, d'autre part, celui des possibilités d'application de ce dispositif protecteur lorsqu'ils se trouvent à l'étranger. Il s'agit donc de s'interroger sur la clarté et la précision du régime juridique auquel ces vestiges sont soumis en droit colombien pour permettre à l’État de fonder des demandes en restitution ou de retour susceptibles de réussir et, aussi, de définir dans quelle mesure ce dispositif national peut être appliqué par les autorités et les tribunaux étrangers. Par ailleurs, les traités internationaux spécialement adoptés en la matière depuis la seconde moitié du XXe siècle semblent insuffisants en vue de répondre aux attentes colombiennes de restitution et de retour de ses biens archéologiques. La pratique a démontré que la lutte internationale contre le trafic illicite reste étroitement liée aux législations nationales, tant celle de l’État requérant que celle de l’État requis. Les stratégies contentieuses susceptibles d'être mises en œuvre devant les autorités et les tribunaux français ont été étudiées à titre d'exemple. Plusieurs acteurs sont au centre de ces disputes : les États, les peuples autochtones, les marchands d'art et les musées. La diversité de leurs intérêts révèle la complexité des rapports qui peuvent se tisser autour de ces vestiges considérés, selon les différents points de vue, comme des objets identitaires, sacrés, artistiques ou scientifiques.Enfin, au regard de l'évolution récente du droit du patrimoine culturel colombien, les conditions semblent présentes pour revisiter le rapport que ce pays entretient vis-à-vis des vestiges archéologiques d'origine colombienne qui se trouvent à l'étranger
It has been more than twenty-five years since Colombia State ratified the 1970 Unesco Convention and one year later it ratified the 1995 Unidroit Convention. It is now relevant to evaluate Colombia’s cultural heritage law and its perception of the issues surrounding the international trade of archaeological objects and ownership transfer. If archaeological antiquities belong unmistakably to the Nation since 1991, their constitutional protection does not satisfy the nationalistic policy this source country would like to lead.The evaluation of cultural heritage law is a double issue. On the one hand, there is the problem of how the domestic laws are applied to archaeological objects within the national territory. On the other hand, there is the difficulty of implementing domestic legislation when the antiquities are abroad. It is therefore a question of assessing if Colombia’s cultural heritage legislation has a framework that is clear and precise enough to allow the State to succeed in its claims and of defining to what extent it can be reinforced by foreign authorities and courts.Furthermore, international treaties adopted in this field since the second half of the twentieth century seem insufficient to meet Colombia´s concerns. Practice has shown that the international fight against illicit trade is closely bound to domestic laws, either that of the requesting State or of the requested State. The litigation strategies that can be brought before French authorities and courts have been studied as an example.These conflicts concern several actors: States, indigenous people, art dealers and museums. Their different level of interests reveal the complexity of the relationships that can be built among these antiquities considered, according to the stakeholders’ point of view, as identity, sacred, artistic or scientific objects.Finally, the recent development of Colombia’s cultural heritage legislation seems to challenge the country’s relation with its archaeological objects abroad

碩士
國立海洋大學
海洋法律研究所
91
All of the cultural heritage submerged under water and the underwater sites of humankind are the valuable treasures of civilization. In addition to the field of traditional archaeology on land , many historical shipwrecks in marine peril and underwater sites need to be researched by archaeologists or people. Underwater Archaeology is a part of Archaeology . In addition to the basic archaeological training , it also depends and combines all the marine science, underwater technology, on maritime history, … etc. Due to successful combination of the above professional technologies , it is just right time to research Underwater Archaeology now , or maybe we can say “ The generation of underwater archaeological researching is coming with all the professional techniques.”However , in the meanwhile , many illicit underwater activities for money, such as illegal recovery of the underwater cultural objects or submarine antiquities , also result from the progress of these technologies , and these activities will destroy the precious maritime cultural property step by step .Therefore , it is very important and urgent to conserve and protect our underwater cultural heritage efficiently. Due to the enlightenment of the exhibition , “United Nations Year for Cultural Heritage” ,the year for cultural property and other researching about relevant activities, I got an ideal to do a further study in this topic after the adoption of “UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage , 2001”. After my study during this period , I thought that if we want to get a better legal regime on the protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage , it is necessary to regard something in particularly, such as : the provisions about the competent authority and its power , the clear definition about the term “Underwater Cultural Heritage” , the claim “antiquities’ ownership belonged to the government” about submarine antiquities’ found within territory and jurisdiction areas , the claim “preferential rights” about submarine antiquities found beyond territory and jurisdiction areas, international co-operation & exchange , the provisions about the sovereign immunity of sunken States vessels & aircrafts , the principles of protection and management in situ & prohibition from commercially exploitation , the establishment of reward principles for discoverers , salvors & assistants , the provisions about excavation , exploration ,conservation , restoration , exhibition ,research , promotion , tourism ,education on the topic of underwater cultural heritage , the provisions about underwater sanctuary , protected area ,maritime cultural museum & underwater park , the principles of prohibition from illegal trade and other illicit activities , the relationship to the Law of Salvage & the Law of Finds, the relationship & connection with the other Conventions , penalty & punishment … , and so on .

碩士
國立中山大學
中山學術研究所
88
Abstract Underwater cultural heritage can be classified into two categories: one is shipwrecks and isolated objects, and the other is submerged sites. It has been sealed underseas and maintaining balance with ambient marine environment, and holds lots of important archaeological and historical messages. With the application of meticulous principles and procedures of archaeology, it can be used for retracing human history and its relation with the natural environment. It has laid on the seabed for a long time and presents no problem for itself. However, inadequate salvage action by treasure seekers and curious people, as well as activities such as pipeline and cable-laying, fishing and tourism often impose irreversible damage to the underwater cultural heritage. Nowadays, how to construct a comprehensive legal regime for protecting underwater cultural heritage has become a pressing international issue. This study is to explore the issue from an international practice perspective, and to provide suggestions to the Government. This study found that international ethos for protecting and managing underwater cultural heritage has shifted from concentrating on single object protection to the whole objects and the preservation of environment in situ, or even goes further to stress the participation of archaeologists in integrated conservation of archaeological heritage in order to reconcile the needs of archaeological heritage protection and development plans. After examining five international legal instruments, this study recognized the duties conferred upon coastal States as followings: 1. Establishing a national inventory for cultural heritage and an import-export permit system so to prevent illegal trafficking; 2. Reporting any accidental recovery of underwater cultural heritage to the authorities; 3. Taking proceedings against its nationals and ships of its flag conducting any activity destroying and damaging underwater cultural heritage in the high seas; 4. Establishing a single authority given primary responsibility for dealing with both land and underwater finds, and determining their significance; 5. Where underwater cultural heritage is of particular interest to another State, considering providing information about the discovery of heritage, as well as collaborating in the excavation, conservation, study and cultural promotion of the said heritage; 6. Taking all practicable measures towards the restitution of underwater cultural heritage located within its territory and territorial sea which has been illegally recovered in the territory and territorial sea of another State or illegally exported from such a State; 7. Establishing a reward system to compensate finders while the award is not necessarily linked to the commercial value of the find; 8. Excluding the application of salvage law and wreck law on underwater cultural heritage; 9. Other than delimitating archaeological reserves, in situ protection of underwater cultural heritage shall also be considered. By analyzing four special domestic legislations of Australia, the PRC, the United Kingdom and France, this study observed that a special domestic legislation should encompass the following six elements: "protected objects," "the geographical extent and the content of national jurisdiction," "protective measures," "the reporting obligation of finders and reward system,"and "punishment." This study also found that, on the problem of conflicting uses of underwater cultural heritage, Chinese, Australian and French legislations only focus on the archaeological and historical uses of underwater cultural heritage, and leave the possible commercial and recreational uses untreated, while the British legislation takes into account various interests and uses. Jurisdiction and ownership are the two core issues in the protection of underwater cultural heritage. By summarizing five international legal instruments and four special national legislations, this study found that the geographical extent of national jurisdiction over underwater cultural heritage has extended from territorial sea to 200 miles limits, or even to the continental shelf. Ownership problem of underwater cultural heritage has two aspects: private ownership problem (or domestic law level), and origin State ownership problem (or international law level). As far as the private ownership problem is concerned, both international legal instruments and four national legislations illustrate the spirit of honoring private ownership. On the other hand, none of international legal instruments incorporates provisions in relation to the origin State ownership problem, thus, leaves it open to the options of domestic legislation. The Australian/Netherlands Agreement concerning Old Dutch Shipwrecks, a bilateral agreement signed between coastal State and origin State, can provide a reference for solving this problem. If the ROC Government intends to establish a more comprehensive legal regime for protecting underwater cultural heritage, it has to consider "protected object," "the geographical extent and content of national jurisdiction," "ownership problem, "as well as " finding, the exclusion of salvage law, and the establishment of a reward system, " and, at the same time, incorporates national claims for underwater cultural heritage into the Law on the Territorial Sea and the Contiguous Zone of the Republic of China and the Law on the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf of the Republic of China. Besides, sensitizing general public with the cultural protection law, and the correct concepts for cultural objects protection, offering finders the opportunity of taking part in underwater archaeology studies, and considering the possibility of delimiting underwater cultural heritage protection zone are also necessary. With these efforts, the prehistoric and historic poems sealed underseas can be wholly presented or reconstructed, and acquire everyone''s respect and appreciation. Keywords: Underwater Cultural Heritage, Ancient Shipwrecks, Submerged Sites, International Law of Sea, International Law

碩士
海洋大學
海洋法律研究所
96
With the advantage of technology, much of underwater equipment has been discovered. The underwater culture heritage, however, has been commercially exploited and destroyed from day to day. Therefore, the UNESCO 31th International Conference 2001, recognized “Convention on the protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage,” which, on the one hand, clearly defines the underwater cultural heritage and adopted policies for the sustainable management, including in situ and safeguard but no commercials... On the other hand, they also claim the authority and the jurisdiction for the underwater cultural heritage of every country in its territorial waters. Besides, national ships and airplane have the sovereignty immunity. Those who break the convention will be forbidden using harbors and any other equipment. However, there are many treasurable shipwrecks surrounding our nation. We have little policy about those which, unfortunately, have been damaged gradually. It is due to the lack of correct knowledge of people and the short of protection law of our country. Examing these laws, “culture retain” is the substantive law. It includes seven species, such as “excavations, historical buildings and villages”, “ruins ”, “culture landscape”, “traditional art”, “cultural or historical relics”, “ antiques” and “natural scenery”, Nevertheless, these rules, established on the basis of culture heritage on , are differ from those under water. Different territorial waters have different jurisdiction. As a result, these rules cannot be used on the underwater heritage. In response to these concerns, the study contribute to security of the underwater cultural heritage by protocol laws, reference international conventions, the management of other countries, the institution of us and scholars’ suggestion about lawmaking which ensure its implementation.

碩士
國立臺灣海洋大學
海洋法律研究所
100
“Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage” was signed on November 2, 2001, which took effect on January 2, 2009. This is an international charter exclusively focused on the protection and management of underwater cultural heritage. The establishment and effect of the Convention clearly regulated the protection and management of underwater cultural heritage, which show the international society’s concern over this issue. Even so, there are still major divergent views among different countries about the policies and practice of underwater cultural heritage protection, and the protection policies are different. Compared to other nations, Taiwanese citizens have not yet established the concept of underwater cultural heritage protection, and fewer academic studies have been done in this area. Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture, Executive Yuan is currently actively promoting legislation to preserve Taiwan’s cultural assets. For precious underwater cultural heritage, the legislation of cultural asset preservation in Taiwan would elevate Taiwan’s emphasis on underwater cultural heritage in terms of international responsibility and cultural protection. Thus, this study seeks to explore national policy directions and practical effects regarding international charters or agreements, providing opinions on the establishment of related regulations. The research results may serve as a reference so that this research is more valuable and meaningful.

On 16 November 1972 the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), meeting in Paris, France for its seventeenth session, adopted the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage - commonly referred to as the World Heritage Convention. This study investigates the definition and construction of World Heritage value, ("outstanding universal value) as the central and distinguishing feature of the World Heritage Convention. It is important to acknowledge that it is not only the value or significance of a place that is constructed but also the intellectual and administrative tools used to identify and assess this value. This simple but fundamentally important notion is crucial if World Heritage is to be understood in any detail. It is a notion that provides the overarching structure with which to communicate this study's research concerning the history of the origins, drafting and implementation of the Convention. Particular attention will be given to issues relating to the identification and assessment of cultural places for inclusion in the World Heritage List. In exploring the origin of ideas that were to be embodied in the World Heritage Convention, particularly that of common cultural heritage, and the historical development of the Convention itself: it is argued that the Convention developed in a climate characterized by the meeting between national and international interests (in the early work of the League of Nations and later in the work of UNESCO). In presenting the origins and development of the World Heritage Convention's definition of cultural and natural heritage of "outstanding universal value", particular attention is given to the Convention's definition of immovable cultural heritage as "monuments", "groups of buildings" and "sites". This study presents and discusses the development and continuing redrafting of criteria for the assessment of “outstanding universal value" included in the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention, from 1976 to December 1994. This study also presents a broad analysis of the World Heritage List as an expression of the World Heritage Committee's attempts to construct a universally representative World Heritage List and as an expression of the construction of "outstanding universal value". In surveying the World Heritage Committee's convoluted attempts to maintain the integrity of the World Heritage List as a list of places of truly "outstanding universal value", the new "Global Strategy for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention" is introduced as a new anthropological and global approach to the establishment of the List. This study highlights recent attempts to extend the limits of the World Heritage List to ensure the inclusion of cultural landscapes of "outstanding universal value". The successful renominations of Tongariro National Park in New Zealand and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in Australia as cultural landscapes are shown to represent moves to venture beyond the simple limits of the natural and the cultural as categories of place and beyond the limits of constructing "outstanding universal value" as cultural or natural value. The study concludes with comments concerning the continuing fluidity of the construction of "outstanding universal value".