Тhis session focuses on the technologies assisting maritime archaeological research and other relevant fields of research, including surveys, excavation, documentation, preservation, monitoring, accessibility as well as the non-destructive methods and technologies for the in situ and in vitro preservation of the sites. In addition, it discusses the technological approaches and methods to make Underwater Archaeological Research greener.

This session focuses on strategies for protecting Underwater Cultural Heritage sites, encompassing their identification, monitoring, management, and operational services, along with improving both physical and digital accessibility. The discussion will also highlight tourism development, particularly within the framework of sustainable and regenerative blue tourism, community and citizen engagement, and innovative public– private partnership initiatives. 

Adaptive and mitigative approaches incorporating innovative technologies to address the impacts of climate change on Underwater Heritage. Within this framework, the session will present dual-purpose monitoring strategies, technologies, and practices that contribute to the preservation of underwater cultural heritage and marine environment. It will also explore how circular tourism models and blue economy strategies can foster a more sustainable and resilient future.

This session explores how the convergence between digital heritage research and the Blue Economy can generate a new, integrative paradigm for Underwater Cultural Heritage. The focus is on methods that connect 3D and geospatial acquisition with semantic and ontological frameworks, enabling interoperable representations of maritime heritage across institutions and disciplines. By leveraging knowledge graphs, controlled vocabularies and domain-specific ontologies, the session aims to foster digital ecosystems in which underwater sites, artefacts and landscapes are linked to their environmental, historical and social contexts. Contributions that advance models for long-term data sustainability, accessibility and reuse—particularly in line with ECCCH and Horizon Europe initiatives—are especially encouraged, as are approaches that connect tangible UCH with intangible maritime knowledge, practices and traditions.

The discussion will address the challenges of aligning heritage protection with Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) policies, blue economy strategies, and environmental objectives, highlighting the need for coherent, cross-sectoral policy integration. It will further explore key obstacles affecting research development and heritage accessibility, while identifying priorities for policy innovation and effective mechanisms that promote collaboration among public authorities, private stakeholders, and local communities. Ultimately, the session seeks to outline policy priorities and strategic pathways that support the sustainable advancement of underwater research and ensure access to underwater cultural heritage and marine environment.