Maritime and coastal heritage

Maritime and coastal heritage encompasses a very wide range of themes. It comprises maritime archaeological heritage on land and under water, coastal landscapes with heritage value, architectural heritage typical of the coastal area, movable maritime heritage, nautical heritage and intangible maritime heritage. Comprehensive works that cover these maritime heritage themes for the Belgian part of the North Sea and the adjacent coastal area do not exist. Addressing maritime and coastal heritage in an integrated way does offer benefits in terms of understanding interrelationships and elucidating the wider context.

The 'Theme Text' gives an overview of the scientific knowledge, socio-economic data, the legal and spatial aspects and measures concerning a sustainable use and management for the user function 'Maritime and Coastal Heritage' for the Belgian part of the North Sea and the adjacent coastal zone. The international, European, federal and Flemish policy context applicable to this activity is discussed in more detail under 'Legislation' and the figure including underlying data is made available interactively via 'Coastal Portal'. More information on the expertise available on maritime and coastal heritage within the Belgian marine research groups and their relevant research infrastructure can be obtained via 'Research groups' and 'Infrastructure'.