DrNatali Pearson

Natali’s research sits at the intersection of the blue humanities, heritage studies, and Southeast Asian, particularly Indonesian, studies. She investigates how maritime heritage shapes regional geopolitics and informs global ocean governance frameworks, as well as its significance for local communities and cultural identities. Her work examines the legacies of sunken World War II warships, the ethics and geopolitics of salvage, and the role of heritage diplomacy in managing contested histories. Natali also engages with issues of provenance, trafficking, and the illicit trade in cultural heritage, alongside developing inclusive and accessible heritage tourism models. More broadly, her research situates maritime heritage within blue economy strategies, cultural policy, and sustainable development, with a focus on collaborative and decolonial approaches.