The University of Guam was recently made an Associate Member of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) University Twinning and Networking Programme (UNITWIN)  International Network for Underwater Archaeology.

The Network was created to build capacities through international cooperation and mobility and enhance the protection and research of the underwater cultural heritage, by creating links between universities and professional training institutions working in the field of underwater archaeology.

“This is an academic bridge between academia, government, and the public,” said UOG Associate Professor of Anthropology Dr. Bill Jeffery.

The University joins a group of 20 other institutions from around the world and other international partner agencies to create a network of exchange of information, development and opportunity for professionals and students alike.

“These universities and now UOG can come together and collaborate on research, teaching maritime archeology, support each other for funding, and come together on projects,” Jeffery said.

Jeffery stressed that since UOG is the only Pacific island university in the network, it can focus on research relevant to the region of Oceania, extending its reach beyond Micronesia and as far as Southeast Asia.

He also said this membership comes at an opportune time, since the University will offer a course in Asia Pacific Maritime Archeology next year in addition to the maritime archeology the field school Jeffery has coordinated in the past. In 2009, 2010, 2012, and last year, Jeffery conducted maritime archeology field schools where UOG students, community members, and collaborators from the region conducted surveys of underwater cultural heritage sites in Guam and Yap. Jeffery hopes to continue coordinating maritime field schools in the region and believes now having a larger network will offer new experiences.

Students interested in maritime archeology are also able to take advantage of UOG’s new membership status by easily transferring or moving on to pursue higher degrees at other member universities.

“We are Oceania,” Jeffery said. “Any sort of archeology is in this area is going to be maritime related. People had to come here from across the sea, and they brought with them culture, technology, artifacts and folklore. It’s more relevant here than other places in the world, and it should be our focus to highlight how strong and relevant the maritime history and heritage is in this area. We can bring that out more though this network.”

For more information about UOG’s UNESCO membership or maritime archeology, contact Jeffery at jefferyw@triton.uog.edu.