Routes4culture Project

The main objective of the project is the development of socio- economic of Kavaja and Rrogozhina, the valorization and promotion of cultural heritage in the region. In order to achieve its objective, the project will create new and alternative methods of tourism, in particular cultural tourism. Four new routes will attract tourist and visitors to come and visit interesting cultural and natural points in Kavaja and Rrogozhina. They will foster the development of new economic activities for the local population through their active involvement, especially woman and young people or their association. More visitors, means more opportunity for them to sell their products and offer their services. 

An important novelty that the project will bring is the launch of the two-days Fair-Festival. The festival will be organized yearly and will attract visitors and local producers who want to promote their products. The fair festival and especially routes are a very effective methods to promote the cultural heritage of the region and involve different stakeholders in the preservation and promotion of them.

The routes identified are:

  1. Creative route (cultural tourism + Hiking in the protected area National Park Lagoon of Karavasta +agro tourism + ecotourism.
  2. Creative route (Hiking around Turra Castle, cultural tourism, eco-tourism, agro-tourism)
  3. Hiking Tour in the area around Spille.
  4. Discovery by bicycle of the area around & Kavaja Hills. – Bicycle tour +ecotourism + agri- tourism tour.

Specific objective(s):

  • Increase awareness of the local heritage and encourage an interest in conservation through heritage trails.
  • Attract national and / or international tourists.
  • Create new cultural products of a high quality and make them accessible.
    Involving, engaging and empowering local communities.
  • Encouraging synergies between different sectors.
  • Create new business opportunities.

Duration

11 months

Target group:

  1. Local community;
  2. National and international tourists and visitors who like cultural tourism and,
  3. Local public institutions and organizations.

Outcomes and Impact

Outcomes and impacts are designed considering four main directions: a) cultural; b) environmental; c) economic and, d) social. In this respect, the project will impact the region of Kavaja and Rrogozhina in different directions, ensuring an all-inclusive impact. These outcomes are both tangible and intangible and they will impact in the medium term as well as in long term. The most important outcome will be the creation of a sustainable model which can in long term benefit society beyond the expected mid-term results. The intangible long-term impacts and outcomes are:

  1. Positive cultural impact:
  • Though the provision of visibility to encourage public interest, protection, conservation and management of heritage;
  • Making culture and heritage accessible for tourists, visitors and wider public – both physically and intellectually;
  • Stimulating interest in cultural heritage through the engagement of local communities;
  • Revitalizing cultural heritage with diverse forms of tradition, arts and other cultural activities.
  1. Economic development of the territory for local small businesses, young people and woman who want to sell their local products and craftmanship or artisans.
  2. Positive environmental impact. In the region of Kavaja and Rrogozhina are situated three protected areas, one of which has high value and importance for the biodiversity of Albania. In this regard, the project will have a positive impact in two main aspects:
  • The cultural routes will support the development of a sustainable tourism industry through productivity and more viable products.
  • It will help the preservation of natural heritages and protected areas.
  1. Positive social impact by:
  • Empowering the local communities;
  • Fostering dialogue between different social groups;
  • Encourage local pride and a sense of identity;
  • Supporting ownership of local cultural resources.

Main activities

1. Development of a cultural study

The cultural study will include desk and archival research about the history of cultural points of interest, architecture, peculiarities and life facts for at least 10 POI-s (Points of Interest). The feasibility study will include an identification of the state of art of cultural heritage and the network of them with local authorities. A set of recommendations and a key strategical point will be included in the study.

2. Developing an economic study

An identification and mapping of existing economic activities will be stored into a database. The study will asses the potential fields for the development of new economic activities and direct engagement of the local community especially woman and young people. A set of recommendations will be one of the key points of the study.

3. Development of the platform

The activity includes the presence of routes online in a digital form. Tourists nowadays are well oriented and familiar with digital kits, so the project will go in the same line as latest trends

4. Route design

The design of the routes will include the storage of all relevant information on the platform and the placement of orienting plates and info points. The routes identified are: 1) Creative route (cultural tourism + Hiking in the protected area National Park Lagoon of Karavasta +agro tourism + ecotourism 2) Creative route (Hiking in the area of Turra Castle, cultural tourism, eco-tourism, agro-tourism) ; 3) Hiking Tour in the area around Spille and; 4) Discovery by bicycle of the area around “Kavaja Hills”.- Bicycle tour +ecotourism + agro tourism tour.

5.Two-day Fair-Festival

A fair festival will be organized in the form of 2 days in the Bashtova Castle and field around it, where local farmers will present their organic products. In addition to enjoying local produce, visitors can visit the area’s cultural and natural interest centers, accompanied by music throughout the day and late in the evening. Dedicated space for area crafts and handicrafts will be provided. For accommodation, tents will be set up, camping that can give participants the pleasure of being in the middle of nature. The area offers many opportunities for organizing activities of this type. (In the area before the pandemic there were 2 campsites, but as mentioned above the area offers many opportunities, by the river, the coast, the soft pine belt, hills and near artificial lakes.). The festival will attract national and international visitors. It is expected that 200 – 500 people will participate in this fair – festival. Four promoted routes will be offered from the local guides for the interested tourists.

EU4Culture project is funded by the European Union (EU) and is implemented by UNOPS in a close partnership with the Ministry of Culture.

EU4CULTURE: www.eu4culture.al

EU Delegation in Albania: www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/albania_en

Ministiria e Kultures: www.kultura.gov.al