Butrint National Park Charts New Path with Integrated Management Plan for Heritage and Sustainability

On July 22, 2020, a significant milestone was achieved as the Albanian Government officially sanctioned the Integrated Management Plan for Butrint National Park (2020-2030). This visionary blueprint, funded by the Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF) and collaboratively developed with key stakeholders including the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Tourism and Environment, as well as partner institutions such as NAPA, the Institute of Archaeology, the Regional Administration for Protected Areas of Vlora, the Port of Saranda, numerous tourist agencies and guides, and representatives from the local community.

The vision driving the Integrated Management Plan is for Butrint National Park to achieve global recognition as a sustainable model for managing sites that harmoniously blend cultural and natural heritage.

It aspires to elevate Butrint into a premier destination within regional tourism landscapes, offering visitors an unparalleled experience while fostering active engagement with local communities and national institutions. Above all, it seeks to establish a benchmark for other parks and heritage sites across Albania.

As the first of its kind, this plan is meticulously crafted in adherence to the Albanian legal framework and aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda 2030.

Additionally, it strictly complies with recommendations from the World Heritage Committee Decisions and advisory bodies of the World Heritage Center / UNESCO.

Over the long term, this document strives to introduce a fresh approach to heritage sites in the country. It tackles critical issues pertaining to limitations of management instruments, sustainable development, growth of cultural tourism, capacity building for effective management, and fostering robust engagement with local communities.