Mapping Mauritius’ Underwater Cultural Heritage: A GIS-Based Approach to Integrating Environmental Historical Archaeology and Heritage Management

This paper presents a GIS-based approach to mapping Mauritius’ underwater cultural heritage (UCH), integrating historical and archaeological data to visualize and analyze the distribution of shipwrecks and their relationship with the marine environment. By examining the impact of coastal development, tourism, and the MV Wakashio oil spill on UCH, this study demonstrates the value of GIS in assessing both human and environmental threats to shipwreck sites. The project not only contributes to the preservation and management of Mauritius’ unique maritime legacy but also offers a model for other regions seeking to safeguard their biocultural heritage. The integration of GIS with environmental historical archaeology opens new avenues for research, including reconstructing past coastlines, analyzing maritime resource use, and understanding historical navigation. This comprehensive view of human-environment interactions informs policy and promotes sustainable practices protecting both natural and cultural resources.