The BCThubs Training Workshop on “Blue Technologies & Sustainable Strategies for the Accessibility of Underwater Cultural & Natural Heritage (UCNH)” was successfully held on Thursday, 15 January 2026, at the Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH), in Zephyros Hall, in Thessaloniki.
The workshop was organised in a hybrid format, attracting a total of 40 participants, with 15 attendees on-site and 25 joining online via Webex. Participants represented a diverse group of researchers, professionals, and stakeholders interested in innovative approaches for the protection, documentation and sustainable promotion of Underwater Cultural Heritage.
During the workshop, a series of presentations highlighted technological solutions and methodologies, including tools for underwater monitoring, digital documentation, scientific diving, and sustainable tourism. Presentations covered initiatives such as:
- BCThubs R&I solutions for UCNH,
- u-ArchaeoRoV: semi-automatic RoV (Remotely Operated Vehicle), customized to assist in the underwater archaeological field research.
- NERITES: Systematic autonomous remote surveying of underwater cultural heritage monuments and artifacts using non-destructive, cost-effective and transportable digital solutions.
- NOUS underwater monitoring system
- i-ScubaDiving crowdsourcing platform for 3D reconstruction of underwater environments.
- Strategic Pillars of research and innovation actions of the Greek BCThubs Hub
- Better Practices for the promotion and protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage in Greece through innovative technologies.
- AUTh ScienceDIVER Training programme
- The ecoRoute and TOURAL approaches for the development of sustainable tourism with a focus on the promotion of Underwater Cultural Heritage.
The workshop concluded with interactive discussions and knowledge exchange on current challenges and future opportunities in the field of Underwater Cultural Heritage, emphasizing the role of innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and sustainability.
