In its next step to build capability in underwater archaeology operations, the Institute of Archaeology plans to submit a proposal to set up a centre for underwater archaeological research to be based in Hoi An.
VN to set up centre for underwater archaeology
Viet Nam Net, 06 July 2015
Viet Nam plans to build the country’s first Centre for Underwater Archaeological Research in Hoi An this year, Nguyen Giang Hai, the head of Viet Nam’s Archaeology Institute, told Viet Nam News yesterday, July 5.
Hai said the centre, which has initial investment of VND200 billion (US$9.5 million), would boost research in underwater archaeology.
“It’s a very new science, but Viet Nam has a 3,200km coastline. Many shipwrecks are yet to be discovered. The centre will help the country explore the precious value of underwater heritage and the history of our sea and islands,” Hai said.
“The institute has asked for advice from international archaeologists and scientists to build the centre,” he said.
The institute will submit a proposal for the centre to the Prime Minister for approval and funding later this year.
Seafaring has been a way of life in Viet Nam for more than 2,000 years.According to Hai, local people had stolen precious antiques from sunken ships, and 130,000 objects had been stolen in Ca Mau Province alone.
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