U-Mar Project: National On-Site Training, Italy and Portugal – June / July 2023

The National On-Site Training, envisaged by the U-MAR project and co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, took place on June 23rd on the island of Madeira (Portugal) and on July 11th on the island of Marettimo (Egadi Islands, Sicily – Italy).

The event in Sicily was organized by the Phoenicians’ Route – Cultural Route of the Council of Europe in collaboration with the Superintendence of the Sea of the Sicilian Region. The meeting was attended by representatives of local authorities (Municipality of Favignana) and cultural associations, as well as diving centers and members of Sicilian Archaeological Groups of Italy.

The event in Madeira was organized by the Madeira Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACIF). The event was attended by representatives of local authorities, cultural and tourism stakeholders, and diving centers.

The objectives of these meetings were to present the international strategic partnership within the U-Mar project (enhancement of cultural heritage, especially underwater heritage), provide valuable information and outcomes to local decision-makers, present the innovative training course, and exchange views.

The issue of protection, enhancement, and promotion of underwater heritage is of great importance to these places. For instance, it is worth noting that in the waters around the Island of Marettimo, the 25th underwater archaeological itinerary in Sicily, part of the Egadi Islands Underwater Archaeological Park, was inaugurated in 2021.