As part of the 2026 Common Maritime Agenda Conference, “Regional Cooperation for a Thriving Black Sea,” the Underwater Heritage Institute together with the Ministry of Transport and Communications and the Ministry of Culture are organising a roundtable and accompanying programme dedicated to the potential of the underwater cultural heritage of the Black Sea.
The event will support the Common Maritime Agenda priority on sustainable tourism and underwater cultural heritage. This priority seeks to develop, promote and preserve the underwater and coastal cultural heritage of the Black Sea, recognising its contribution to sustainable growth, innovation and regional cooperation. It also aims to connect heritage preservation with sustainable tourism, economic development, environmental protection, blue technologies and digital solutions.
The roundtable is open to all participants in the CMA Conference who are interested in underwater cultural heritage, underwater archaeology, sustainable tourism and regional cooperation.
🔗You can register through this link.
📆 1 October 2026
International Congress Centre, Burgas
14:30–17:30
Roundtable: Potential of the Underwater Cultural Heritage of the Black Sea
The roundtable will provide representatives of the Black Sea countries and other participants with an opportunity to exchange views on the specific characteristics of underwater cultural heritage in their territories, identify current and emerging challenges, and discuss potential areas for regional cooperation.
Session 1 – Country perspectives | 14:30–15:45
Representatives of the Black Sea countries will be invited to present:
the development and current state of underwater archaeology and underwater cultural heritage in their countries;
principal institutions, archaeological sites and current research projects;
major threats and challenges, including climate change, pollution, infrastructure development, treasure hunting and the illicit trade in cultural objects;
examples of good practice in research, protection, management and public engagement.
Coffee break | 15:45–16:15
Session 2 – Cooperation and common challenges | 16:15–17:30
Participants will discuss potential areas for cooperation, including:
research, documentation and preservation of underwater cultural heritage;
marine geophysical surveys and underwater archaeological excavation;
expertise, capacity and technical infrastructure needs;
exchanges, professional training and knowledge sharing;
communication of underwater cultural heritage to the public in the digital age;
the application of digital and marine technologies;
joint research initiatives and future project opportunities;
coordinated responses to shared environmental and human pressures.
The discussion will conclude with a brief summary and proposals for possible next steps.
📆 2 October 2026
Underwater Heritage Institute, Sozopol
08:30–14:30
An accompanying visit to the Underwater Heritage Institute in Sozopol will be organised for roundtable participants.
The programme will include:
- a visit to the Underwater Heritage Institute;
- a diving visit to an underwater archaeological site, combined with a seabed clean-up activity, for eligible certified divers;
- a guided visit to Sozopol Old Town and a visit to the Archaeological Museum for participants who do not take part in the diving activity;
- light lunch for all participants.
Important diving participation requirement:
Participation in the diving activity is available only to holders of a valid, internationally recognised diving certificate who have appropriate prior diving experience. Participants wishing to dive must register in advance and submit a copy of their diving certificate before the event. Diving equipment will be provided. The archaeological site will be confirmed according to the conditions and organisational arrangements.
Advance registration is required for the programme on 2 October. Participants must indicate whether they wish to join the diving programme or the programme for non-divers.
🔗You can register through this link.