After several reports made by the media these days on constructions in the National Park of Butrint, the Ministry of Culture clarifies as follows:

In the National Park of Butrint, no excavations or new constructions are being carried out, but based on legal and technical decisions, the existing facilities are being adapted in order to use them for the performance of standardized services inside Butrint National Park. The Ministry of Culture emphasizes that for many years in the National Park of Butrint, it has been established that trading services were offered that did not respect the relevant fiscal legislation, the legislation on the safety of food products, the legislation on cosmetic products, etc., in the absence, among other things, of hygienic conditions. sanitary.

In the framework of increasing the quality and standardization of the services offered at the Cultural Heritage sites for 4 years now, the Ministry of Culture has undertaken a series of actions and initiatives in line with other initiatives such as: increasing security in the permeability of tourist routes within national parks; improvement and operation of sanitary facilities, quality infrastructure of accessibility and reception of visitors, etc.

It is worth noting in this context, that in order to solve the problem, in 2015 and 2016, the Ministry of Culture approved two specific instructions, which were drawn up on the basis of the Cultural Heritage Law (published in the Official Gazette and the website of the Ministry of Culture) with the aim of standardizing and good administration of Cultural Heritage sites. The drafting and implementation phases of these guidelines have gone through a series of consultations with interest groups and public communications.

In implementation of these Guidelines and to solve the problems above, the Ministry of Culture and its decision-making technical institutions have approved the projects on the standardized infrastructure for the provision of services in two specific centers that offer their services within Butrint National Park. SAL Center (Souvenir-Art-Books) and Multifunctional Services Center which will sell only products approved and certified in advance by the Ministry of Culture.

Once again, the Ministry of Culture clarifies public opinion that no new building is being built in the Butrint National Park, but the adaptation of the existing premises with temporary structures and in accordance with all parameters is being carried out provided by the UNESCO conventions. As provided in Decision no. 712/3 dated 25.05.2017 of the National Council of Archeology and decision no. 149 dated 12.05.2017 of the National Council of Restorations who approve the project entitled “Rehabilitation and construction of service points in the Ancient Park of Butrint“, project approved by the Institute of Cultural Monuments.

The Ministry of Culture thanks the media for the ongoing interest in cultural heritage issues and ensures public opinion on the high professionalism and transparency with which our institution fulfills its functional tasks.

DECLARATION OF THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE