A marine geoarchaeological investigation for the cultural anthesis and the sustainable growth of Methoni, Greece

Abstract The ‘Evolved GE.N.ESIS Project’ highlights the underwater cultural heritage resources off the coast of Methoni, Greece that could locally drive sustainable socioeconomic growth. An integrated marine geophysical survey, a hydrographic survey, and a GNSS survey were conducted off Methoni, recording six historic wreck sites, artefacts, the ruins of a submerged prehistoric settlement, and the town's ancient harbour/breakwater, as well as the geophysical properties of the underwater environment. The preliminary project results present bathymetric surfaces, backscatter intensity and magnetic maps, drawings, and seismic reflection profiles of the underwater antiquities and of the seabed, all fused in a 3D geographical platform. The results also shed light on the archaeological potential of the site, the nearshore physical processes, and their effect on the underwater archaeological resources. The project outcomes have shown that the establishment of an underwater archaeological park and diving sites at the cultural heritage sites will support cultural tourism development in the area and will have a positive impact on local socioeconomic development. The underwater archaeological park should comply with the basic principles of a site management plan – one that is established in the context of an integrated coastal management plan that identifies the maritime synergies or conflicts among human activities, archaeological resources, and the local environment, and utilises the 3D synthesis of marine knowledge from the project outcomes as a decision-making tool.