Butrint Recognized by UNESCO for Its Integrated Management Model

Busan, Republic of Korea – Butrint’s integrated management model received positive recognition during the 48th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, where it was presented as an example of integrated management for a World Heritage site.

At the center of the presentation was Butrint’s management approach, which places the local community at the heart of decision-making. The model is built on the principle that communities become active partners in site management, heritage conservation goes hand in hand with sustainable development, and strategic planning is translated into concrete action.

During the transitional period, the Butrint Management Foundation developed a series of specialized plans that form the basis of the site’s Integrated Management Plan. These include the Archaeological Conservation Management Plan, the Hydrological and Ecological Plan, the Health, Safety and Natural Disaster Management Plan, the Traffic, Transport and Visitor Management Plan, and the Community Engagement and Development Plan.

At the 48th Session of the World Heritage Committee, these plans were recognized for their strategic importance, technical merit, and practical role in implementing Butrint’s Integrated Management Plan.

The presentation also highlighted that Butrint meets the same standards as international best practices in World Heritage site management. Data presented showed that while 89.5% of World Heritage sites in Europe and North America have a management plan, only 61% fully implement and monitor it.

In this context, Butrint’s Integrated Management Plan was recognized as appropriate for safeguarding the site’s Outstanding Universal Value, reinforcing its alignment with international standards for World Heritage management.

The positive recognition at UNESCO underscores the importance of integrated planning as the foundation for the long-term, sustainable management of Butrint’s cultural and natural heritage and highlights the value of a management model that combines strategic planning, technical expertise, and community engagement.