A Review of Development of Underwater Cultural Heritage in Central America

The Central American region, comprised of Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama, has a rich and diverse cultural heritage. This heritage has endured through various contexts, showcasing resilience over time. Despite the increasing interest in underwater cultural heritage in recent decades, there has been limited headway in the conservation, protection, and dissemination of his invaluable legacy. Given this scenario, Central American underwater archaeologists are embarking on a comprehensive review of the evolution of underwater archaeology. This undertaking will address significant events that have shaped the political, academic, and social landscape. Each participating country will contribute to this exploration through three crucial stages, highlighting the progression of this discipline. The goal is to identify commonalities at the regional level. By employing this comparative approach, the objective is to identify strategies that can effectively promote the implementation of underwater archaeology in the region. The ultimate aim is to foster increased commitment and support for preserving underwater cultural heritage.