The agreement, signed by Mayor Marcos Zaragoza, the Rector of the University of Alicante, Amparo Navarro Faure, and the President of the Nautical Club of La Vila Joiosa, Jaime Llinares Lloret, aims to consolidate the collaborative governance of this historic site.
The Bou Ferrer wreck, discovered in 1999 and declared a Site of Cultural Interest (BIC) of the Comunitat Valenciana, is a pioneering model of underwater management combining scientific research, conservation, and sustainable tourism use. The project was included by UNESCO in its World Register of Best Practices for Underwater Cultural Heritage in 2017, a distinction recently renewed until 2029.
Rector Amparo Navarro highlighted the importance of the agreement for the University of Alicante, reinforcing ties with Villajoyosa, where the institution has a University Headquarters. She emphasized 25 years of research, led by the Institute of Archaeology, in collaboration with the City Council, the Generalitat, and the Nautical Club to enhance the value of the wreck.
Jaime Llinares, president of the Nautical Club, thanked the continuity of the collaboration, noting the entity's integration into the local fabric and the joint work with the museum and discoverers.
The agreement, valid for four years, stipulates that the Villajoyosa City Council will provide conservation and research infrastructure through its Municipal Service of Archaeology and Historical Heritage and Vilamuseu. The University of Alicante will contribute technical and human resources for research and knowledge transfer, while the Nautical Club will offer comprehensive logistical support, including vessels and maritime infrastructure.
Activities derived from this agreement will be coordinated through an annual Monitoring Commission and aligned with municipal strategies for sustainable tourism, accessibility, and the blue economy. Mayor Marcos Zaragoza reiterated that the agreement strengthens the joint work to highlight this unique Mediterranean site, which originated from the generosity of its discoverers.
This agreement joins other initiatives in underwater archaeology in Villajoyosa, such as the future creation of a headquarters for the Underwater Archaeology Center of the Comunitat Valenciana, promoted by the Generalitat.
The event was attended by the Councilor for Tourism and Historical Heritage, Rosa Llorca; the Councilor for Culture, Marisa Mingot; the Vice-Rector for Culture, Sport, and University Extension, Catalina Anca Iliescu Gheorghiu; the Director of the University Headquarters of Villajoyosa, José Antonio Moya; the Director of Vilamuseu, Antonio Espinosa; the discoverers of the wreck, Antoine Ferrer and José Bou; as well as former presidents and board members of the Nautical Club.
