TIRANA, July 16 /ATA/ – Protecting Albania’s cultural heritage requires continuous commitment, cooperation and public awareness, experts said as part of an initiative aimed at combating the illegal trafficking of cultural assets.
In a video produced under the project “Building Local Capacities and Cooperation in Implementing the Law to Combat Illegal Trafficking of Albanian Cultural Heritage,” Fulbright specialist Kat Slocum stressed that safeguarding cultural sites is not only the responsibility of state institutions but also of local communities and citizens.
Slocum highlighted archaeological parks such as Apollonia, Byllis and Antigonea as irreplaceable historical and cultural assets that require ongoing protection and care. She said raising public awareness and reporting violations were essential steps to preserve these sites for future generations.
“Protecting sites such as Apollonia is important. Illegal excavations, theft and the removal of objects from archaeological sites cause irreversible losses to cultural heritage. We must protect these places so they remain available for future generations,” Slocum said.
The initiative, supported by the U.S. Department of State and Albania’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports, aims to strengthen local capacities and cooperation in enforcing legislation against the illegal trafficking of cultural heritage.
The project is implemented by Cultural Heritage without Borders – Albania (CHwB Albania).
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