The Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism of Albania (MEKI) and the Municipality of Berat, has tasked Fondazione Santagata with developing a Destination Management Plan (DMP) for Berat Castle. The primary goal is to promote sustainable and responsible tourism while enhancing the quality of life for the local community and preserving the cultural heritage of the site.

Context

The Berat Castle, part of the UNESCO World Heritage site “Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra,” is a unique example of Ottoman-era architecture, reflecting the coexistence of diverse religious and cultural communities in the Balkans. With a history spanning over 2,500 years, it holds significant historical and cultural value and is still inhabited by around 600-700 residents. However, the growing influx of tourists and the need for conservation pose challenges to its sustainability.

Objectives

Fondazione Santagata and AADF, supported by a team of local experts, aim to:

  • Ensure the effective development and implementation of the destination management plan, aligning all institutional stakeholders.
  • Create a sustainable future for Berat by fostering integrated management that strengthens the local economy and safeguards cultural heritage.
  • Promote participatory governance and long-term site management in line with the integrated management plan for the historic centres of Berat and Gjirokastra.

Work Phases

The project will unfold through the following phases:

  • Preliminary Assessment: Evaluation of challenges, risks, and opportunities at the site, alongside the needs for stakeholder engagement in the DMP process.
  • Review of Legal Framework: Examination of existing legal documents related to Berat Castle and its management.
  • Stakeholder Consultations: Organization of consultation sessions to ensure an inclusive and participatory process.
  • Conservation Strategy: Development of a site conservation strategy that respects the site’s historical and cultural context while addressing tourism-related challenges.
  • Management Structure: Proposal of a legal and administrative framework for site management, defining roles and responsibilities.
  • Governance Feasibility Study: Assessment of the feasibility of the proposed governance structure, taking into account available resources, community needs, and potential investments.
  • Operational Plan: Drafting a detailed operational plan addressing visitor management, heritage protection, site promotion, and local economic development.
  • Plan Finalization: Sharing drafts of the DMP for feedback and refining the final plan based on received input.

Expected outcomes/ Impact

The project aims to deliver:

  • A comprehensive Destination Management Plan for Berat Castle, outlining clear strategies for site management, improving the visitor experience, and safeguarding cultural heritage.
  • A set of recommendations for implementing conservation and enhancement strategies, with active participation from the local community and both public and private stakeholders.

Partner

Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF)
Ministry for Economy, Culture and Innovation of Albania (MEKI)
Municipality of Berat