Butrint.org//butrint_1_2.php

A UNESCO World Heritage site

Butrint was nominated for the World Heritage List in 1990 and accepted in 1992. This was done on the basis of:

The evolution of the old natural environment that led the inhabitants to abandon Butrint at the end of the Middle Ages, means that this archaeological site provides valuable evidence of ancient and medieval civilizations on the territory of modern Albania.

Following the civil unrest in Albania in 1997, Butrint was put on the list of World Heritage Sites in Danger. In responds to this an office for the protection of the site of Butrint was created by the Albanian government, and 100,000 US Dollars were given by the World Heritage Committee, some of which was toward the implementation of further protection.

Later, in 1999, it was requested that the protected zone should be extended to prevent an intrusion of uncontrolled tourist development along the local coast for which there were plans. This was granted in 2000 as the site was made into a legal establishment, the Butrint National Park covering 29 sq km. In 2005, after concerted efforts, the Park boundaries were expanded to 86 sq km and Butrint was removed from the World Heritage Sites in Danger list.

For further details on and documentation of UNESCO’s involvement at Butrint, see http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/570.

Aerial view of the park of Butrint
Index map of Park and walks around Butrint
The World Heritage List was introduced by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) in 1972. The aim is ‘to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.’ The ten selection criteria for acceptance onto the list ranges from a ‘masterpiece of human creative genius’ to ‘areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance’. Equally important is the ‘protection, management, authenticity and integrity’ of the sites nominated. UNESCO serves as an advisory committee with the ability to inject funds for this cause. However, the aim is to encourage each participating country to be active in preserving its own heritage.