Asia Pacific Conference on Maritime & Underwater Cultural Heritage (APConf-Much)
The Asia Pacific Conference on Maritime & Underwater Cultural Heritage (APConf-Much) — formerly known as the Asia Pacific Conference on Underwater Cultural Heritage (APConf) — has been the leading regional conference dedicated to the study, preservation, and management of maritime and underwater cultural heritage in the Asia-Pacific region. The rebranding reflects our conscious effort to broaden the conference’s focus by integrating a wider range of disciplines and perspectives to address the complexities of underwater and maritime cultural heritage.
Since its first conference in November 2011, APConf-Much has been functioning as a vital platform for scholars and professionals committed to advancing research, conservation, and sustainable management of underwater and maritime cultural heritage. For over 14 years, it has primarily brought together archaeologists, conservators, and historians to discuss and share knowledge about underwater archaeological sites, shipwrecks, and maritime practices.
The decision to expand the conference’s scope acknowledges that maritime and underwater heritage extends beyond submerged sites to include coastal traditions, seafaring practices, and human-environment interactions. In response, APConf-Much now invites contributions from a broader array of disciplines, including anthropology, ecology, marine science, public policy, environmental studies, maritime legislation, marine engineering, and blue economy. By incorporating these diverse perspectives, the conference promotes transdisciplinary collaboration and fosters a more holistic approach to the preservation and management of underwater and maritime cultural heritage.