Heras

About the project:

The “SUBMARINE Archaeological Heritage of the western Black Sea Shelf” project, was a collaborative initiative focused on developing the tourism potential of the Western Black Sea coast. Its primary goal was to identify and promote the rich, multi-millennial underwater cultural heritage of the region. The project brought together a diverse group of partners: The National Institute for Research and Development of Marine Geology and Geoecology – GeoEcoMar (Lead Partner), The National History and Archaeology Museum of Constanta, The Institute of Oceanology, Kavarna Museum, and the NGO “Respiro Underwater Research Society.”

The project recognized both the immense advantages and significant disadvantages of the region’s historical and natural resources. Advantages included a shared history, the existence of important known and presumed underwater sites, and a strong network of highly specialszed human potential from partner institutions. However, the project also addressed the disadvantages of very little existing knowledge about this common heritage and a lack of joint sustainable development strategies for the Constanța and Dobrich coastal areas.

By combining the expertise of research institutes, museums, and a specialized NGO, the project’s joint scientific team was able to develop a detailed investigation plan. A key outcome of this effort was the creation of a tourism management guide, which provides a framework for the optimal and sustainable use of the underwater cultural heritage sites. Ultimately, the project successfully transformed a major disadvantage—the lack of coherent information—into a unique regional attraction, fostering new business opportunities.

Code: MIS ETC 578

Financing programme: 2007 – 2013 Romania – Bulgaria (RO-BG)

Implementation period: 24 August 2014- 23 Februray 2015

Budget: € 1,498,433.45

KEY OBJECTIVES

The general objective of the project was the development of the tourism potential of the Western Black Sea coast by identifying and promoting the resources of the multi-millennial common underwater cultural heritage. Specific objectives included:

The discovery and identification of the common underwater cultural heritage, which has a history of thousands of years.
The promotion of the common historical potential, which is highly attractive but still little known and scarcely valued in the Constanța – Kaliakra area.
The promotion of these findings to create sustainable tourist attractions, such as underwater history and adventure tourism and scuba diving, which also raises awareness of the environment and historical heritage.

THE PARTNERSHIP

The National Institute for Research and Development of Marine Geology and Geoecology – GeoEcoMar – RO;

The National History and Archaeology Museum of Constanta (MINAC) – RO;

The Institute of Oceanology, Varna – BG;

Kavarna Museum – BG;

NGO “Respiro Underwater Research Society” Constanta – RO.

KEY RESULTS

Improved skills and competencies for at least 20 experts from the 5 partner institutions, and the training of Scuba Diver Instructors specialized in marine archaeology and training of divers.
The creation of maps and scientific reports of underwater heritage sites, the discovery of archaeological artifacts, the publication of at least four scientific papers, and a special conference volume.
The development of a permanent exhibition (also available as a travelling exhibition), brochures, posters, and leaflets for a wider audience, and the launch of a dedicated project website.
The creation of an upgradable GIS database with layers covering both sides of the border, including sites, attractions, and nature protection areas.
The elaboration of a tourism management plan for underwater heritage.
Increased awareness of the existing common underwater cultural heritage from Constanța to Kaliakra among stakeholders and the general public.