Clean Oceans: Mapping Our Seas – Tackling Marine Pollution Through Awareness and Action
The Clean Oceans: Mapping Our Seas campaign, launched as part of the exhibition at the Malta Maritime Museum in Birgu, is an initiative aimed at raising awareness about marine pollution, its impact on ecosystems and cultural heritage, and the role individuals can play in preserving the world’s oceans. This activity was financed by the EEA Norway/Liechtenstein Grants. Through education, scientific research, and community engagement, the initiative aligns with global efforts to combat marine debris, including ghost nets and other forms of pollution that threaten both marine life and underwater cultural heritage sites. In June 2024, a hybrid conference titled Clean Oceans and Mapping Our Seas was held at the Malta Maritime Museum to promote public awareness and dialogue on these issues.
The “Clean Oceans and Mapping Our Seas” initiative appeals to a diverse range of audiences, each with a vested interest in ocean conservation and maritime heritage. Environmentalists and conservationists advocate for clean oceans to protect marine ecosystems, endangered species, and sustainable fishing practices, while also valuing maritime heritage as a tool for fostering conservation awareness. Historians and archaeologists are drawn to submerged shipwrecks and artifacts that provide insights into past maritime practices, relying on clean waters for preservation and research. Similarly, the tourism and recreation industry benefits from pristine marine environments, attracting visitors for activities like diving and snorkelling while enhancing cultural tourism through maritime heritage.
The “Clean Oceans and Mapping Our Seas” conference was held on June 19th, 2024, at the Malta Maritime Museum in Birgu, Malta. This hybrid event was co-organized by Heritage Malta and the Stavanger Maritime Museum (MUST) to explore how advanced digitization technologies can mitigate the negative impacts of human activity on our oceans and aid in preserving maritime cultural heritage.
The conference featured distinguished keynote speakers from the European Commission, UNESCO, Heritage Malta’s Digitization and Underwater Cultural Heritage Units, and experts from various European countries. They presented case studies and best practices related to the 3D digitization of maritime cultural heritage.
The event aimed to raise awareness about the interconnection between clean oceans and the preservation of maritime cultural heritage, showcase advancements in digitisation technologies for documenting underwater cultural heritage, and foster collaboration among stakeholders, including museums, research institutions, and government agencies.
Heritage Malta organised a unique educational programme for students, including free transport, as part of the ‘Clean Oceans Mapping Our Seas’ exhibition currently running at the Malta Maritime Museum in Birgu.
This exciting programme reached many educational institutions offering experiences to students from Year 7 to Year 11 supported by the EEA Norway Grants 2014-2021. The programme offered a captivating exploration of Malta’s strategic maritime history while promoting critical awareness of contemporary environmental challenges.
Furthermore, this learning experience was expanded beyond students to include the elderly community through direct collaboration with Local Councils and Homes for the Elderly.
This interactive and inclusive engagement was improved to accommodate the elderly, ensuring comfort and accessibility throughout the visit. Accessible, eco-friendly, and free transport was once again provided to the Malta Maritime Museum, allowing individuals from all social backgrounds to attend at no cost.
