Assessment of Sustainable Management Actions for Underwater Cultural and Natural Heritage Sites

Supporting competent government authorities to develop strategies, plans, and policies for local coastal and marine economies of the Mediterranean region in adopting a sustainable and responsible model for tourism development is challenging for the future of these areas. Planning, testing, and coordinating Knowledge Awareness Centers (KACs) at underwater natural and cultural heritage sites has been the main objective of national, regional, and European initiatives, including the BLUEMED initiative. BLUEMED is an Interreg MED project aiming to support sustainable tourism in Mediterranean area. The pilot sites of the project include Greece (Alonissos), Italy (Baia, Capo Rizzuto), and Croatia (Cavtat). The development of KACs aims at the valorization and protection of these sites, for promoting innovation in the diving industry and improving divers’ experience through innovative diving services and introducing the public to underwater cultural heritage through 3D immersive visualization. In this framework, sustainability key performance indicators (KPIs) have been developed concerning the business performance and operation of KACs focusing on supporting resilient tourism development of the pilot areas. This research presents the assessment results of KPIs by collecting and analyzing data from the pilot operation of KACs in Greek sites, indicating the high interest of the visitors and their positive feedback. In addition, training activities were organized based on the developed methodology, involving courses delivered to diving service providers and relevant target groups to support transferability and durability of KACs. The results of the assessment revealed that the underwater system, composed of a commercial tablet, an underwater electronic house, and an acoustic modem, require detailed off-water preparation to properly integrate all hardware and train the users of the navigation system. Regarding the virtual reality and 3D systems operating within KACs, managers and trainers were comfortable and confident to use them, to support the visitors’ experience, and to correct common problems.