Seminar on the “Development of Maintenance Programs and Plans” GJIROKASTRA, DEC. 8-11, 2009

CHwB organized the 1st Regional Seminar in Albania on the “Development of Maintenance Programs and Plans”, in the World Heritage city of Gjirokastra. This seminar brought together professionals working in the field of cultural heritage across Albania and the Western Balkan Region in local and national institutions, such as Regional Directorates, Institutes of Monuments of Culture, and representatives from the Ministry of Culture.

During three consecutive days all the participants had a chance to present their work through an open forum by focusing on challenges and solutions related to maintenance issues of cultural monuments in the Western Balkans. The seminar was covered by major Albanian local and national media, and it also enjoyed the direct support of Miss. Britta Olofsson, Head of the Swedish Development Cooperation (SIDA) in Albania, who gave the opening speech for the activity. At the end of this seminar participants drafted a letter of recommendations and suggestions which will be sent to the highest Albanian government representatives involved in the drafting of legislation and works related to the maintenance of cultural monuments.