Periodic Reporting for period 2 - TECTONIC (TEchnological Consortium TO develop sustaiNabIlity of underwater Cultural heritage)
Période du rapport: 2023-12-01 au 2025-11-30
The TECTONIC project focused on the documentation, conservation, and accessibility of Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH), recognizing its importance for preserving human history and traditions. Its main objective was to foster intersectoral collaboration between academic and non-academic professionals, encouraging the exchange of skills and expertise to develop and assess innovative materials, technologies, tools, and methodologies for the protection of UCH. Research application, knowledge enhancement, and result dissemination were central to improving strategies for safeguarding underwater archaeological and historical assets and ensuring their enjoyment by future generations.
To achieve these goals, the TECTONIC consortium carried out innovation and development activities based on the following objectives:
Study, documentation, and 3D reconstruction of selected pilot sites;
- Development of decision-support tools for UCH risk assessment in changing environmental conditions;
- Definition of studies, protocols, and procedures for preservation and conservation activities;
- Development of open, low-cost robotic solutions for UCH inspection, documentation, and monitoring;
- Raising public awareness of the value and preservation of underwater cultural heritage.
All activities were supported by targeted training programs and laboratory and fieldwork sessions, designed to stimulate innovation and promote the transfer of research results into marketable solutions. The project adopted an interdisciplinary and intersectoral approach, involving researchers, companies, public institutions, and other stakeholders. Dissemination of results was promoted through participation in national and international events, conferences, workshops, as well as through dedicated websites and social media channels. Acitivies were also addressed to foster the sinergy with on going Interreg and HORIZON EU Projects focusing on cultural hertiage safeguarding in a changing environment.
Coordinated by the University of Calabria and structured into seven work packages, the TECTONIC project involved 60 participants in secondment programs combining research and training activities, significantly contributing to capacity building and awareness in the field of underwater cultural heritage.
To achieve these goals, the TECTONIC consortium carried out innovation and development activities based on the following objectives:
Study, documentation, and 3D reconstruction of selected pilot sites;
- Development of decision-support tools for UCH risk assessment in changing environmental conditions;
- Definition of studies, protocols, and procedures for preservation and conservation activities;
- Development of open, low-cost robotic solutions for UCH inspection, documentation, and monitoring;
- Raising public awareness of the value and preservation of underwater cultural heritage.
All activities were supported by targeted training programs and laboratory and fieldwork sessions, designed to stimulate innovation and promote the transfer of research results into marketable solutions. The project adopted an interdisciplinary and intersectoral approach, involving researchers, companies, public institutions, and other stakeholders. Dissemination of results was promoted through participation in national and international events, conferences, workshops, as well as through dedicated websites and social media channels. Acitivies were also addressed to foster the sinergy with on going Interreg and HORIZON EU Projects focusing on cultural hertiage safeguarding in a changing environment.
Coordinated by the University of Calabria and structured into seven work packages, the TECTONIC project involved 60 participants in secondment programs combining research and training activities, significantly contributing to capacity building and awareness in the field of underwater cultural heritage.
TECTONIC is structured into seven Work Packages (WPs), each addressing a specific aspect of the project. Coordination began in February 2020, while research activities and field deployments started in 2022. Despite significant delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, all WP activities were successfully completed by November 2025.
WP1 assessed the state of the art of Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH) research worldwide, with a focus on pilot sites in Italy, Greece, and Argentina, where partial field activities were conducted. All tasks were completed, providing a solid knowledge base for subsequent WPs. On-site activities improved understanding of site accessibility and cultural significance, supported preservation and management strategies, fostered innovative methodologies, and enabled the transfer of European best practices in diving and heritage management to Argentina.
WP2 developed an integrated framework for UCH risk assessment and mitigation under climate change. Key environmental stressors affecting material degradation (temperature, salinity, pH, oxygen, biodeterioration, erosion) were identified across pilot sites. Historical and future trends were analyzed using oceanographic data and climate models (ssp245 and ssp585), producing maps highlighting increasing risks related to corrosion, instability, and biological decay. Despite the absence of some planned field experiments, the WP delivered a machine learning and generative AI–based decision-support system using a hybrid cloud–edge architecture to support proactive conservation management.
WP3 mainly involved laboratory activities at SYNPO, supported by UNICAL. Controlled tank experiments simulated marine environments to assess material durability and protection strategies. A standardized protocol ensured reproducibility and reliability, enabling antifouling product testing and the development of a protocol for a patentable antifouling agent to protect underwater assets.
WP4, led by UNICAL and 3DR, focused on pilot site deployment, monitoring, and management. Partners contributed through secondments and training, promoting knowledge exchange. Pilot interventions demonstrated effective preservation strategies and validated innovative technologies for underwater documentation, 3D reconstruction, and accessibility. Advanced imaging, remote sensing, and 3D modeling enabled accurate digital reconstruction and virtual access, establishing best practices and enhancing public engagement.
WP5 addressed dissemination, training, and stakeholder engagement through secondments, seminars, workshops, and conference sessions for academic and non-academic audiences. Key partners organized dedicated events, while 3DR and UNICAL managed communication via the project website and social media. USAL organized the annual DCAI conference with a dedicated TECTONIC session and related publications, significantly increasing project visibility.
WP6, coordinated by UNICAL, ensured effective project management through a kick-off meeting in February 2020, an online mid-term review in June 2023, a Consortium Agreement, continuous communication with the European Commission, regular online meetings, and dissemination of results at the DCAI Conference 2025.
WP7 addressed ethical aspects of the project. All ethical requirements were met, with no specific approvals required, and ethical compliance was continuously monitored.
In conclusion, despite pandemic-related delays, TECTONIC successfully achieved its objectives across all WPs, strengthening international collaboration, capacity building, and delivering research outputs and technological solutions with long-term impact on the preservation, management, and accessibility of Underwater Cultural Heritage worldwide.
WP1 assessed the state of the art of Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH) research worldwide, with a focus on pilot sites in Italy, Greece, and Argentina, where partial field activities were conducted. All tasks were completed, providing a solid knowledge base for subsequent WPs. On-site activities improved understanding of site accessibility and cultural significance, supported preservation and management strategies, fostered innovative methodologies, and enabled the transfer of European best practices in diving and heritage management to Argentina.
WP2 developed an integrated framework for UCH risk assessment and mitigation under climate change. Key environmental stressors affecting material degradation (temperature, salinity, pH, oxygen, biodeterioration, erosion) were identified across pilot sites. Historical and future trends were analyzed using oceanographic data and climate models (ssp245 and ssp585), producing maps highlighting increasing risks related to corrosion, instability, and biological decay. Despite the absence of some planned field experiments, the WP delivered a machine learning and generative AI–based decision-support system using a hybrid cloud–edge architecture to support proactive conservation management.
WP3 mainly involved laboratory activities at SYNPO, supported by UNICAL. Controlled tank experiments simulated marine environments to assess material durability and protection strategies. A standardized protocol ensured reproducibility and reliability, enabling antifouling product testing and the development of a protocol for a patentable antifouling agent to protect underwater assets.
WP4, led by UNICAL and 3DR, focused on pilot site deployment, monitoring, and management. Partners contributed through secondments and training, promoting knowledge exchange. Pilot interventions demonstrated effective preservation strategies and validated innovative technologies for underwater documentation, 3D reconstruction, and accessibility. Advanced imaging, remote sensing, and 3D modeling enabled accurate digital reconstruction and virtual access, establishing best practices and enhancing public engagement.
WP5 addressed dissemination, training, and stakeholder engagement through secondments, seminars, workshops, and conference sessions for academic and non-academic audiences. Key partners organized dedicated events, while 3DR and UNICAL managed communication via the project website and social media. USAL organized the annual DCAI conference with a dedicated TECTONIC session and related publications, significantly increasing project visibility.
WP6, coordinated by UNICAL, ensured effective project management through a kick-off meeting in February 2020, an online mid-term review in June 2023, a Consortium Agreement, continuous communication with the European Commission, regular online meetings, and dissemination of results at the DCAI Conference 2025.
WP7 addressed ethical aspects of the project. All ethical requirements were met, with no specific approvals required, and ethical compliance was continuously monitored.
In conclusion, despite pandemic-related delays, TECTONIC successfully achieved its objectives across all WPs, strengthening international collaboration, capacity building, and delivering research outputs and technological solutions with long-term impact on the preservation, management, and accessibility of Underwater Cultural Heritage worldwide.
The main objective of TECTONIC was to promote the exchange of skills and best practices in the field of Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH), enhancing knowledge of submerged cultural resources and improving management strategies for their protection. The project also aimed to raise public awareness and inform non-experts about the value of submerged cultural heritage. By investigating selected pilot sites, TECTONIC supported the documentation, mapping, and accessibility of underwater cultural assets, while addressing challenges such as climate change impacts and fostering tourism and economic development in coastal areas.
TECTONIC adopted an integrated and interdisciplinary approach, implementing shared strategies for UCH protection and understanding. Its training, dissemination, and communication activities established a long-term framework for knowledge sharing among academia, industry, and society. The project’s impact is reflected in the active involvement of both research institutions and companies, as well as in the participation of 60 seconded staff members from partner countries in research, workshops, and training activities, demonstrating the successful achievement of its objectives.
TECTONIC adopted an integrated and interdisciplinary approach, implementing shared strategies for UCH protection and understanding. Its training, dissemination, and communication activities established a long-term framework for knowledge sharing among academia, industry, and society. The project’s impact is reflected in the active involvement of both research institutions and companies, as well as in the participation of 60 seconded staff members from partner countries in research, workshops, and training activities, demonstrating the successful achievement of its objectives.