The Archaeological Park of Butrint in Albania has been a UNESCO World Heritage site Since 1992. this Year Marks the 100th anniversary of its discovery, making this anniversary significant for the country's historical and cultural heritage. butrint, founded by The Ancient chaonians, evolved from a Greek city-state (city) to a Roman colony and later to an episcopal see of the Byzantine Empire.
With its important monuments, such as the ancient theater and the early christian basilica, Buthurium was the subject of extensive excavations By the Italian Archaeologist luigi ugolini, who, motivated by mussolini's fascist ambitions, Promoted the site as a propaganda tool. Despite its cultural and historical significance, the albanian government's decision to transfer the management of the park To the Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF) has raised serious concerns.
In 2018, the Albanian government passed a law allowing private foundations to manage state-owned cultural sites. As part of this, the management of the Butrint was entrusted to the Butrint Management Foundation (BMF), established by the Ministry of Culture and the AADF, with a 10-year contract with the possibility of renewal. However, this decision raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, lack of transparency, and degradation of cultural heritage.
UNESCO has expressed concern about the fragmentation of management, underlining the need for state control and international cooperation. At the same time, concerns have been raised about the reduction of the Park's protected area by 600 hectares, where a hotel complex is planned to be built.
AADF President Michael Granoff said the Foundation would invest $5 million, double the government’s contribution, in acquiring the right to issue tickets and collect the Park’s revenue. In contrast, experts point out that the Butrint can generate annual revenue of more than 1.5 million euros, making the benefit of privatization questionable.
UNESCO and the European Union have called for urgent plans to protect the site and for Albania to comply with international conventions, such as the 1972 World Heritage Convention. The Albanian government is required to submit a detailed report by February 2025.
