AWAVES kick-off Meeting: Valuing Atlantic maritime heritage through cooperation

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AWAVES project: Collaborating across Europe to preserve and digitalise maritime memory in Atlantic regions

02 July 2026 - AWAVES project

The Interreg Atlantic Area funded AWAVES project convened an exciting two-day kick-off meeting in the Province of Pontevedra, Spain. Hosted by the Deputación de Pontevedra, the event brought together partners from across the European Atlantic coastline to shape the future of maritime tangible and intangible heritage preservation and valorisation.

Day 1: Coordination, Frameworks, and Port of Vigo Visits
The meeting opened with a welcome from Mr Javier Tourís Romero (Deputy for European Funds, Deputación de Pontevedra) and a project overview by Ms Susana Fernández López (Director of European projects). The consortium—including Bretagne Culture Diversité (France), ERNACT (Ireland), ADCA (Portugal), Município de Viana do Castelo (Portugal), and the host Deputación de Pontevedra, presented their regional pilot cases and stakeholders.

Technical frameworks were established through key sessions:

Digital & Methodology: The University of Vigo presented the data collection framework, and CCG/ZGDV introduced the upcoming AWAVES Digital Platform.
Media & Engagement: Bretagne Culture Diversité shared heritage documentation best practices, while Association CORLAB PLUS (Radio BOA) detailed the project's podcast strategy.

After lunch, the partners transferred to the Port of Vigo for a site visit. They explored marine innovation at the Mariña Nautilus Research Centre and toured a historic steamship restoration project, highlighting traditional shipbuilding conservation.

Day 2: Living Traditions and Island Exploration
The second day focused on experiential learning in the Ría de Arousa. In Carril, partners participated in a hands-on Traditional Shellfish Gathering Workshop led by local gatherers mariscadoras, focusing on traditional harvesting techniques & future challenges in the industry.

Following a coffee break, the group travelled by boat to Cortegada Island, part of the Atlantic Islands National Park. Specialised guides led an interpretative tour of the island’s history, former settlements, and unique ecosystem.

The successful kick-off concluded with a traditional lunch at a local restaurant, marking the official start of this exciting transnational collaboration.

Stay tuned for more updates as the AWAVES project continues its journey!

Click here to email Maixa Zabaleta at ERNACT for further information

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