<< Background >>Underwater archaeological tourism is, among the new segments of tourism, one of the most sophisticated and interesting, and the Mediterranean sea offers equipped sites of great interest. Many studies have shown that the development and valorisation of tourism on underwater cultural heritage can benefit from an economic point of view and its development is also closely linked to the preservation of the environment and the seas. However, the assessment of the current situation in underwater archaeological sites results having some main failures, in particular:- Fragmented legislation for the protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage and lack of protocols for the enhancement and valorisation of this heritage;- Low specialization/training of cultural operators and the absence of experts with knowledge on how to create underwater archaeological itineraries; in fact, operators competences are limited to the interpretation of the heritage and to the collaboration with diving centres, but they lack of competences on the management, valorization and capitalization of these sites.- Lack of a unified approach for the management and valorisation of underwater archaeology at European level. In this aspect it is evident that some countries are more advanced in terms of skills for the valorization of this heritage, while others have greater gaps.The project will thus address the above mentioned needs of increased specialization, clear and unified legislation and better management.<< Objectives >>The general aim of the project U-Mar is to develop the knowledge and the valorization of heritage related to underwater archaeology, through the following specific objectives:1) Training professional figures with specific skills in underwater archaeology, how to valorize it and how to manage these cultural sites. The project will therefore train new experts capable of fostering the touristic offer of these sites from multiple points of view, by setting up an ad hoc innovative training course.2) Developing sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism around underwater archaeology, improving the tourist-cultural offer and expanding the reference target of users. These objectives will be reached also by making underwater archaeology more accessible to people not willing or not able to dive or swim, by creating digital pathways to the sites and by developing interpretation centres on land. 3) Provide guidelines for organizations that want to develop strategies for enhancing the underwater archaeological heritage, with different possibilities of application depending on the context and with a particular focus on the creation of underwater archaeological itineraries, with their specific heritage and on the professional’s skills required.4) Increase knowledge of the underwater archaeological heritage and the importance of its conservation and enhancement, not only by tourists, but above all by young people and local communities living in those territories.<< Implementation >>Project objectives will be reached through the implementation of the following activities, divided into Work Packages:WP1 - PROJECT MANAGEMENT -Coordination, technical and financial managementWP2 - NEW TRAINING COURSE ON UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGY FOR CULTURAL OPERATORS-Realization of one Transnational Training for Trainers involving organizations staff working together for the development of:-One New Innovative Training Course on underwater archaeology for cultural operators that will include new innovative subjects for the enhancement and management of underwater archaeological sites;-Realization of 5 on-site testing training in partners countriesWP3 - DEVELOPMENT OF U-MAR E-LEARNING PLATFORM-Assessment and research phase by partners + technical design of the Platform-Confrontation with stakeholders-Collection of information and materials to be uploaded on different Platform’s sections-Upload of contents and launching of the PlatformWP4 - CREATION OF INTERPRETATION CENTRES ON UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGY- Research on the state of art -Collection of inputs and materials-Definition of learning pathways and storytelling-Setting up of interpretation Centres-WP5 - COMMUNICATION AND DISSEMINATION - Realization of Transnational and Local dissemination plans-Implementation of communication activities-Organization of multiplier events<< Results >>U-Mar expected results will be following:R1. The creation of one NEW TRAINING COURSE on underwater archeological sites for cultural operators. R1.1. 5 on-site training courses that will take place in each partner country to test the new realized training course and refine/adapt it on the basis of the feedback received from the tests.R2. The setting up of an E-LEARNING PLATFORM to access the training opportunities on underwater heritage, to access information on existing sites and their activities. R3. The development of INTERPRETATION/LEARNING CENTRES on Underwater Archeology along the Phoenicians' Route - Cultural Route of the Council of Europe. Along with these 3 main results, the project will also:- Lay the groundwork for the formalization of a training course specifically designed for those who work or want to work within underwater archaeological sites, to be incorporated into VET programs or other training institutions.- Promote the accessibility of underwater sites to all types of visitors, thanks to the enhancement of digital tools.