Abstract
Public access to underwater and maritime cultural heritage has proven to have a very positive effect on the local economy. This type of heritage is very attractive for the cultural tourism sector in general and for active and diving tourism. The Nautical and Underwater Archeology Line of the University of Cadiz, within the framework of the TIDE Project (Interreg Atlantic Area) and Herakles Project (FEDER-UCA18-107327) have been working on the enhancement of maritime and underwater heritage through the application of new technologies. In this paper, we will present the advances in the project in the Strait of Gibraltar, based on the first phase of scientific analysis and on the definition of a common working methodology that has resulted in a toolkit for the development of tourism activities linked to the MCH and UCH. Pilot activities under development are focused on accessible underwater heritage routes, VR applications to create Dry Dive experiences and the streaming of underwater archaeological works, thanks to a bottom-surface acoustic communication buoy. Results show that these types of outreach solutions and, by extension, of tourism application, must be preceded by a rigorous archaeological research process, a study of the target audience and the evaluation of the carrying capacity of the sites, to avoid falling into the mercantilisation or deterioration of the UCH. On the other hand, virtual or indirect access solutions are very useful, but always through the correct interpretation of the heritage.
Highlights
The development of scuba diving and technology, which has been fundamental to the evolution of underwater archaeology, has encouraged an exponential increase in sport diving [1]
We will present the advances in the project in the Strait of Gibraltar, based on the first phase of scientific analysis and on the definition of a common working methodology that has resulted in a toolkit for the development of tourism activities linked to the MCH and Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH)
Given the difficulties and limitations faced by administrations in the protection and control of the enormous underwater archaeological heritage, education is an essential measure for its conservation as stated in the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage [4]
Summary
The development of scuba diving and technology, which has been fundamental to the evolution of underwater archaeology, has encouraged an exponential increase in sport diving [1]. The dissemination and communication of heritage are promoted as some of the most relevant objectives Considering both the benefits and the aforementioned risks, at present, most of the activity of the Nautical and Underwater Archaeology Line of the University of Cádiz is taking place in the Bay of Algeciras. Thanks to the involvement of stakeholders, such as the Estrecho Natural Park (PNE, Spanish acronym), the Algeciras City Council, small local active tourism companies or diving centres, coordinated by the Spanish Federation of Underwater Activities, actions are being developed in which the education of the public, the interpretation and the protection of heritage, are the main objectives To this end, the University of Cadiz is working in this area through an international project, “TIDE”, and a national project, “Herakles”
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