Change behaviour and raise awareness about the Adriatic’s underwater treasures as common goods: the UnderwaterMuse Project

The project aims at applying on sample areas (maritime landscapes of Torre Santa Sabina, Grado, Resnik/Siculi, Caorle) a methodological and technological protocol based on research/ knowledge and development/communication of an underwater archeological site that is complex and multi-stratified, characterized by strong diversity. The project’s objective is therefore to transform the site into an underwater archaeological park (or eco-museum) through innovative and/or experimental methodologies and techniques in order to try to reduce the loss of important cultural heritages as well as to guarantee an economic spin-off deriving directly from the creation of a sector linked to the tourist-cultural promotion of the context of reference. UnderwaterMuse will target local communities as long-term keepers of vitality at tourist destinations, promote co-creative partnerships among tourism and cultural actors, public decision makers, creative companies, associations of citizens, facilitating exchange of information. An immersive VR approach renders underwater sites accessible to a wider public, including people with different kinds of disabilities. Building capacity for professionals already working in this field will help them adapt to a “museum for all” concept, in spite of limited organizational or financial resources.Training diving guides will improve the immersive experience of underwater sites. Regional action plans will enhance environmental management and preservation of coastal areas harbouring those sites. Based on the gained experience, an innovative promotional GIS tool, the ‘UnderwaterMuse MAP’ for promoting underwater sites with accessibility standards, will be developed. The ‘UnderwaterMuse MAP’ will be promoted at transnational, national and local level, in the Adriatic and beyond, thus guaranteeing its sustainability and transferability during and after its implementation. The interdisciplinary partnership from 4 different regions will carry on pilot actions focusing on transform sites with a strong potential as experience-based tourist destinations testing a sustainable tourist offer in areas less interested by major tourist flows.