Join us on World Oceans Day for a talk that explores how international law can protect and help preserve a wide variety of cultural practices and artefacts linked to the ocean. 

Our oceans are a rich source of both natural and cultural heritage. From tropical reefs to icy islands these environments, and the myriad species found there, are crucial for the health of our planet. They remain a source of wonder to people the world over. 

Maritime cultural heritage including songs and stories, skills, ships and shipwrecks, reflect our longstanding human connection with the ocean. Safeguarding all of this heritage is vitally important for present and future generations. The international community has responded to this need for heritage protection by adopting laws that recognise and respect, protect and preserve both tangible and intangible heritage across our oceans. 

Join Erika Techera as she makes a common sense tour of three key treaties and provides a global snapshot of why they remain significant, drawing on a range of gorgeous images and stories to illuminate their impact. In an era of great challenge to the global commons, hear of how these key international treaties that recognise, respect, and protect our oceanic realm are a good news story to celebrate.

About your presenter

Dr Erika Techera is Professor of Law at the University of Western Australia where she teaches and researches on international and comparative environmental law. She focuses on oceans governance and, in particular, Indo-Pacific small island States. She is the author of over 100 publications on topics, such as shark conservation and marine-based tourism; kelp and nature-based solutions to climate change; marine debris, plastic and pollution; as well as maritime history and cultural heritage. Her most recent book (co-authored with Dr Joy McCann) is The Unruly Ocean: Law and Justice in the World's Oceans, Seas and Shorelines (Routledge, 2025).