​The project aims to study for the first time on a global level the best practices for the protection and promotion of Underwater Cultural Heritage and particularly with regard to the operation of accessible underwater archaeological sites (underwater museums) in ancient shipwrecks. Moreover it will protect the underwater natural wealth and the biodiversity of the Mediterranean.  

Within the framework of this project, pilot actions for the operation of accessible underwater archaeological sites will be implemented in Greece, Italy and Croatia in combination with the creation of Knowledge Awareness Centres with the aim to increase tourism attractiveness and to tranfer information,  in co-operation with national authorities, universities, scientific institutions, economic operators and local community. At these centres visitors will have access to informative material regarding the archaeological and cultural heritage of each pilot site. At the same time, Virtual Diving System and other multimedia devices (interactive display windows, digital signage, etc.) will be installed. 

Specifically, the pilot actions in the areas of Western Pagasetic and Sporades in Greece, of Capo Rizzuto and Baia in Italy and of Cavtat in Croatia will involve the following:

a) The design of a system of processes, political practices, management, networking and promotion of Underwater Museums, Diving Parks and Knowledge Awareness Centres which will be given to the local/regional authorities.

b) The promotion of innovative services and diving technologies for the enrichment of diving tourism (installation of Augmented Divinf System).

c) The increase of tourism attractiveness for people interested in diving activities, in the pilot regions.

d) The promotion of underwater natural and cultural heritage to the general public, through 3D reconstruction exhibited in museums and Knowledge Awareness Centres.

e) The design and development of a web-based platform for the integrated touristic promotion and networking of underwater natural and cultural heritage, which will be titled as "Underwater Natural and Cultural Routes in the Mediterranean" . 

The budget of the project is 2.8 million euros. The project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and the Leader is the Region of Thessaly, in a total of 14 partners.​

The partners of the project are the following:

· Region of Thessaly - Regional Development Fund     

· Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism - Institute for Conservation and restoration

· Superintendence of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for the Naples Metro Area    

· National Museum of Underwater Archaeology         

· University of Patras - Department of Civil Engineering

· University of Cyprus - Oceanography Centre 

· University of Calabria – DIMEG

· University of Zagreb- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing   

·  Dubrovnik Neretva Regional Development Agency DUNEA

· Fundation University Enterprise of the Region of Murcia

· Municipality of Pylos – Nestor

· Province of Crotone - Marine Protected Area "Capo Rizutto"

· Atlantis Consulting S.A.

You can find more information about the project at project website: http://www.bluemed.interreg-med.eu/