On 22 and 23 November 2024, a series of ecoRoute activities took place in Faial Island (Azores), bringing together experts, stakeholders, and the local community to explore the link between underwater archaeology and sustainable tourism.
On 22 November, a roundtable discussion titled “Underwater Archaeological Heritage and Tourism” was held at the Horta Museum, co-organised by the Faial Sustainable Tourism Association (ATSF), the Azores Sea Observatory (OMA), and the Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL). Moderated by Pedro Rosa, the session featured contributions from key experts and institutional representatives, who addressed both opportunities and challenges in promoting underwater heritage through tourism.
Discussions highlighted significant archaeological discoveries in the region—such as the Nossa Senhora da Luz, the Ivory Wreck, and the Main shipwreck—as well as the importance of developing educational tools, sustainable tourism practices, and effective management strategies to enhance their visibility and protection.
The following day, on 23 November, participants had the opportunity to take part in a guided tour of the Horta Museum’s reserve collection, led by archaeologist José António Bettencourt (UNL). The visit offered a unique insight into artefacts recovered from shipwrecks around Faial, including tools, fragments, weaponry, and elephant tusks.
During the tour, Bettencourt shared stories from underwater excavations, while conservation specialist Carina Maurício explained the processes involved in preserving these fragile materials. The activity showcased the interdisciplinary nature of underwater archaeology, combining research, conservation, and public engagement.
Together, these activities reinforced ecoRoute’s mission to promote the conservation, accessibility, and sustainable use of underwater cultural heritage, while strengthening dialogue between researchers, tourism professionals, and local communities.
