BCThubs is organizing the “Widening the Big Blue Horizon” International Conference, which introduces Innovative Technologies & Sustainable Strategies for the Protection and Management of Underwater Cultural Heritage. The Conference will take place between December 4th and 6th 2024 in Volos, Greece and will be a hybrid event. 

The Conference aims to bring together experts and stakeholders from academic and research institutes, the maritime research and innovation industry, and the public sector, aspiring to be a field for constructive knowledge and experience exchange and discussion of current approaches in support of the research, preservation, accessibility and management of Underwater Cultural Heritage. In this context, it will be a forum to present state-of-the-art technologies and results and lessons learnt from research projects relevant to this scope,  enhancing capacity building for the protection and valorization of Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH). 

The conference programme will cover 5 main topics:

1. Innovative Technologies in Maritime Research.
2. Enhancing Access to Underwater Cultural Heritage. Key challenges, better practices and technological opportunities for sustainable blue tourism economy development.
3. Maritime Spatial Planning and Environmental Protection.
4. Scientific Diving and Maritime Archaeological Research. Status and prospects.
5. Citizens and Community Engagement in the Protection, Research, and Sustainable Management of Underwater Cultural Heritage as well as in advocacy for policy changes.

Participants can attend the conference either physically or virtually and need to register via the conference registration form. Note that there is no registration fee.