What costs are incurred by States Parties?
The 2001 Convention states in its Article 2.4 that every State should take appropriate measures “that are necessary to protect underwater cultural heritage, using for this purpose the best practicable means at their disposal and in accordance with their capabilities”. States are not requested to do more than what lies within their capabilities. There is also no obligation in the 2001 Convention to carry out excavations. However, safeguarding measures need to be undertaken, as possible and appropriate and no action must be taken that contradicts the spirit of the Convention.
