BCThubs at the “Widening the Big Blue Horizon” International Conference

The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage (SCH), a dedicated partner in the ongoing BCThubs project, proudly took a leading role in organising the 1st International Conference, “Widening the Big Blue Horizon.” Held under the auspices of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture from December 4–6, 2024, at the Domotel Xenia Volos in Greece, this landmark event united experts, researchers, and professionals committed to the sustainable promotion and protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH).

The conference attracted over 360 registered participants from 39 countries attending online and in person. This hybrid format provided a flexible and inclusive platform for global interaction, fostering meaningful dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration on innovative technologies and responsible heritage management strategies.

Key Highlights of the Conference

Over three dynamic days, the conference featured:

• 39 oral and poster presentations delivered across five sessions, covering diverse topics such as citizen engagement projects, effective maritime spatial planning, advanced scientific diving practices, and groundbreaking technological innovations.
• Engaging discussions that illuminated the challenges and opportunities in ensuring the accessibility, visibility, and preservation of UCH sites worldwide.
• An adjacent Blue Culture Technology Exhibition, showcasing cutting-edge tools, methodologies, and applications to advance research and public engagement in cultural heritage.

Beyond the Sessions

Attendees had ample opportunities to network and exchange ideas during breaks, while the event concluded on a high note with a guided visit to the Athanasakio Archaeological Museum of Volos. This excursion offered participants a deeper appreciation of the region’s rich cultural legacy.

A Catalyst for Future Progress

The 1st BCThubs International Conference “Widening the Big Blue Horizon” marks a pivotal step forward in fostering collaboration, innovation, and progress in UCH management. Building on the success of this event, the BCThubs project continues to champion interdisciplinary partnerships, cutting-edge research, and sustainable strategies for preserving and celebrating our shared underwater cultural heritage.

Stay tuned for updates on the ongoing BCThubs project and its transformative initiatives 👉 BCThubs Project