The BCThubs project took the initiative to organize and actively participate in the 1st International Conference “Widening the Big Blue Horizon,” held from December 4–6 under the auspices of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, at Domotel Xenia Volos, Greece. This conference marked a significant milestone in uniting experts, researchers, and professionals dedicated to the protection and sustainable promotion of Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH).
On December 5, 2024, the BCThubs project was presented by its Project Coordinator, Angeliki Veneti from the Region of Thessaly, in a talk titled “Establishing Blue Culture Technology Excellence Hubs towards Sustainable Underwater Cultural Heritage Management.” In addition, the project’s technologies were highlighted by Marco Cozza from 3D Research, who delivered a presentation entitled “Leveraging Blue Culture Technologies for Underwater Cultural Heritage: Innovative Solutions for Exploration, Preservation, and Accessibility.”
During the opening of the conference, welcoming addresses were delivered by Alexandros Mazarakis Ainian, Professor of Classical Archaeology at the Department of History, Archaeology, and Social Anthropology, University of Thessaly; Edouard Planche, Head of Unit for the 2001 Convention and Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH) at UNESCO in Paris, France; and Anna-Maria Papadimitriou, Deputy Regional Governor of Magnesia & Sporades.
The conference attracted over 360 registered participants from 39 countries, with more than 430 attendances joining online and in person. As a hybrid event, it offered a flexible platform for global interaction, knowledge exchange, and meaningful dialogue—fostering inclusive discussions on innovative technologies and responsible heritage management strategies.
Over three days, the event’s five sessions featured 39 oral and poster presentations. These addressed a wide array of topics, such as emerging citizen engagement projects, effective maritime spatial planning approaches, advanced scientific diving practices, and cutting-edge technological solutions. Speakers illuminated both the challenges and opportunities in ensuring the accessibility, visibility, and preservation of UCH sites worldwide.
In addition to the formal sessions, attendees were able to network and exchange ideas during breaks. An adjacent exhibition space hosted the Blue Culture Technology Exhibition, allowing participants to explore a diverse range of tools, methodologies, and applications designed to advance cultural heritage research and public engagement. Also, after the conference sessions concluded on Friday, December 6, a guided visit to the Athanasakio Archaeological Museum of Volos was organized.
The 1st BCThubs International Conference “Widening the Big Blue Horizon” has laid a solid foundation for continued collaboration, innovation, and progress. Building on the momentum generated by this successful event, the BCThubs project will continue to promote interdisciplinary partnerships, foster cutting-edge research, and develop comprehensive strategies for the sustainable management and preservation of our shared underwater cultural heritage.
