TRANS MARIS Project Officially Launched
16/04/2026
Rovinj, 9 April 2026 – The project TRANS MARIS – TRANSmitting MARitime Intergenerational Skills for a sustainable cultural tourism development model was officially launched with a kick-off meeting held online on 9 April, marking the beginning of a cross-border initiative dedicated to the transmission and revitalisation of maritime cultural heritage in the Adriatic.
The project is implemented by the Institution House of Batana as Lead Partner, in cooperation with Municipality of Cesenatico and its Maritime Museum. The project is further supported by associated partners, including Associazione Giochi Antichi, working with communities of the Venetian lagoon, and the Ruđer Bošković Institute – Centre for Marine Research in Rovinj.
Running from 1 February 2026 to 31 July 2027, TRANS MARIS focuses on the transmission of traditional maritime knowledge across generations as a foundation for sustainable cultural tourism. The core of the project is a structured youth mentorship programme, through which experienced cultural bearers pass on skills such as rowing, sailing, sail-making and boat maintenance to younger generations.
The overall objective of the project is to engage young people in Cesenatico, Rovinj and the Venetian lagoon area in safeguarding maritime intangible cultural heritage while equipping them with competences to develop innovative and ecologically sustainable heritage-based tourism offers. Through this approach, TRANS MARIS aims not only to preserve endangered maritime skills, but also to reposition them as a source of creativity, employability and cross-border cooperation, strengthening connections between coastal and inland communities. A key outcome of the project will be the development of a transferable mentorship model, intended for further implementation within broader networks, including the Mediterranean Maritime Museums Network.
The total project budget amounts to EUR 197,904.00, of which EUR 158,323.20 is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the Interreg Italy–Croatia Programme.
The kick-off meeting brought together project partners to align on activities, timelines and implementation strategies, with a strong emphasis on collaboration with local communities and the long-term sustainability of results. As part of the Rovinj Regatta, taking place from 12 to 14 June 2026, a dedicated public and media presentation of the project is planned.