No Limits Sea Emotions

"<< Background >>No Limits Sea Emotions is the result of the cooperation between 5 Mediterranean countries to promote “sub-archaeology for all” through:- INCLUSION of disabilities, and in particular the blind people, in a sport that for many years has excluded them.- Use of a PATENTED METHODOLOGY in Italy, which guarantees excellent results on different profiles, didactic, psycho-physical, analytical.- ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS: Among the possible applications of this method there is also the seabed cleaning and conservation. Furthermore, the scientific approach to marine biology and the ASBI tool allow to deepen knowledge on flora/fauna and to implement a series of specific actions to know and protect them.- A unique, innovative and highly inclusive TECHNIQUE.- A professional approach to SUB-ARCHAEOLOGY open to all types of disabilities, which allows to experience the emotion of discovery in complete autonomy.- The diffusion of RESPONSIBLE TOURISM, focused on the promotion of the water sports accessibility and on the respect for the marine environment. << Objectives >>The NLSE project stems from the collaboration between government bodies and sports associations with the same MISSION: ""Promote water sports to encourage inclusion and environmental sustainability, but above all to allow everyone to enjoy the beauty of our sea with awareness and safety."" The participation of five countries (Italy, Spain, Greece, Malta and Turkey) with an important historical and underwater heritage, has allowed us to start an active cooperation with regional bodies and archaeology institutes at a local level. It was necessary to encourage the exchange of good practices and realize a census of sites already accessible with the ASBI method. Through NLSE we have come into contact with Universities, Research Centers (Barcelona, Valencia and Dalaman), with companies (StartUP Greece) that have supported us in the management and implementation of technologies, with local Governments (Puglia, Calabria and Sicily Region,Gozo, Kefalonia and Mugla), NGOs and schools/diving centers (Dive-NEN, Marevivo SubD, ABI, IAHB/Able to Dive, Blue Manta etc.) interested in deepening the methodology, in promoting a barrier-free tourism and in supporting our partnership, to make the underwater discovery increasingly safe and open to all.<< Implementation >>Starting from October 2024: - Training in Puglia and delivery of the patents,- Press conference,- Erasmus Day in Bari.All participants had a defined role during the whole duration of NLSE. They also supported the partner organizations in the management of the collateral post-exchange activities:- The presentation of the Erasmus Plus project at the BTM fairs in Paestum, EUDI in Bologna and at EU Accessible in Spain.- Two events in Ponza (ASBI headquarters) and Egnazia, open to associations for the blind and visually impaired.- Photo-video exhibitions in Puglia and Valencia.- A Facebook page with all the updates.- A landing page (https://nolimitsseaemotions.eu).- The diffusion of NLSE on TV, radio, magazines and social networks in the 5 countries.- A meeting for sports clubs and archaeology schools in Gozo.- Presentation of the barriers reports and patronage of the Puglia and Sicily Regions.- A map with the first MED sites open to blind diving.- The translation of the presentations and the tool into English and the detector into Spanish (NEN).- A study on new technologies for inclusive diving (StartUP Greece).- The growth of agreements and the stakeholders network (Malta Rescue, Manta etc).<< Results >>Thanks to NLSE, we have achieved, consolidated and, in some cases, exceeded the initial objectives: - All blind or partially sighted people with a passion for the sea and underwater discovery can already benefit from qualified instructors and/or guides in the 5 countries involved. - Participants confirmed: ""professional growth, autonomy and improvement of teaching methodology"". The method has also been useful in other work environments (rescue, medical and psychology practices). - Accommodation facilities, tourism operators, NGOs and research centers have started to contact instructors with the ASBI method for specific courses (for example the Association of the deaf-blind ASOCIDE Tarragona). - Public bodies (new protocols with Valencia, Puglia and Sicily Regions and the Italian Guarantor for disabilities) for the diffusion of responsible and more inclusive tourism. - At the end of 2024 we recorded a 40% increase in requests for courses (new instructors/guides and blind divers). Thanks to the commitment of our partners, we hope to maintain the trend and grow further for the summer of 2025.- During the BTM and EUDI we established new collaborations with 6 Mediterranean Archaeological sites."