| BCT Excellence Hubs’ description for Malta – MAINLAND & GOZO ISLAND |
| Territory: whole country, incl. the Gozo Island as it is in the RIS3 priorities to attract Blue Culture R&I investments. |
| Core partners: Superintendence of Cultural Heritage (public), Institute of Tourism Studies (academia), DAN Europe Foundation (societal) and AquaBio Tech (business). |
| R&I BCT capacity: UW health & safety services (divers’ physiological monitoring, BLE, DRA). |
| Relevance with RIS3 smart specialization strategies: a) investing in stronger knowledge base; c) preserving and protecting environment and heritage; d) invest in protecting natural and cultural heritage (18% of ERDF budget). |
| Types of stakeholders to be engaged by the Hub: Scientists in UWCH and BCT, maritime and archaeology research organization, diver communities, MPAs, AUWCH sites’ management bodies; coastal municipalities; Ministries (Tourism, Environment, Culture, Fisheries, Regional Development, etc.) and National/regional authorities; SMEs active in Blue Economy (diving centers, maritime equipment suppliers, tourism, etc), NGOs. |
| Future plans of the Hub for demonstration/pilot: demos are planned at the Hondoq Bay, at Um El Faroud – off Wied iz- Zurrieq (tanker shipwreck) and at AMF P33 – off Zonqor point, Marsascala (patrol boat shipwreck). |
