ICMM Congress 2026: Mereoni Camailakeba, Fiji Museum, Community Engagement

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The value of the information is high, offering a nuanced perspective on community engagement that challenges conventional outreach models. Camailakeba’s central argument—that communities should be recognized as knowledge holders and partners—is well supported by concrete examples from Fiji, such as the use of traditional navigation knowledge and the importance of customary ceremonies. The presentation articulates a clear conceptual progression from consultation to co-stewardship, backed by a five-step model (protocol, relationship, research priorities, knowledge return, custodianship recognition). The argumentation is solid, logically structured, and firmly grounded in practical experience, though it remains primarily an expert opinion rather than a data-driven study. The panelists add complementary cases from Portugal and Hong Kong, reinforcing the theme with diverse geographical perspectives. Overall, the content is substantive, original in its emphasis on Pacific perspectives, and well-argued.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The scientific rigor is commendable for a conference presentation. The speaker references the UNESCO 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage as a global framework, and discusses general principles such as in-situ preservation. She also acknowledges the distinction between confirmed, reported, and identified sites, indicating a careful approach to archaeological data. The talk is not heavily cited but draws on professional experience and institutional records (e.g., over 300 records of maritime cultural sites). The title and content align perfectly: the title clearly indicates the talk’s focus on community engagement, the presenter’s affiliation, and the congress context. No sources are explicitly cited beyond the UNESCO convention; the presentation is more practice-based than literature-driven. The panelists also provide credibility through their institutional roles. No comments were available for analysis.

The title accurately reflects the content: a keynote on community engagement in underwater archaeology by a Fiji Museum representative, followed by related panel presentations.

8/10

The presentation is by a professional archaeologist from the Fiji Museum, delivered at an international congress, referencing international conventions (UNESCO 2001) and local case studies. The argumentation is coherent and grounded in practical experience, though it remains an opinion/presentation rather than a peer-reviewed study.

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

• 02:00Traditional sevu sevu ceremony acknowledging traditional custodians
• 10:00Central proposition: community engagement as part of archaeology, not outreach
• 20:00Model for collaborative archaeology: protocol, relationship, priorities, knowledge return, custodianship
• 30:00Discussion of UNESCO 2001 Convention and in-situ preservation in community context
• 35:00End of keynote, introduction of panelists
• 39:00Andreia Conceição (Sesimbra Maritime Museum) on community involvement and local knowledge
• 49:00Zefeng You (Hong Kong Maritime Museum) on relationships and community-grown museum

• UNESCO 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage — Mentioned as a global reference framework for underwater cultural heritage.