Cultural Heritage without Borders Albania

Cultural Heritage without Borders Albania (CHwB Albania) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the restoration and promotion of cultural heritage in Albania. It operates as part of the broader Cultural Heritage without Borders network, which was founded in Sweden in 1995 and initially worked in Bosnia and Herzegovina before expanding to Kosovo and Albania. CHwB Albania's work is rooted in the belief that restoring historic buildings can rebuild human connections, trust, economies, and societies. The organisation views each restoration project as a democratisation process that offers opportunities for conflict resolution, trust-building between former adversaries, and economic and social development. It engages men and women from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, creating teams that might not otherwise meet, thereby fostering mutual understanding and cooperation. CHwB Albania's activities in Albania began with the second meeting of the South East Europe Heritage Network in Gjirokastër in 2006, followed by the First Regional Restoration Camp in September 2007. After successful collaboration with Albanian authorities, CHwB opened its first office in Albania in late 2009, with the main office in Tirana and activities continuing in Gjirokastër. The organisation has since undertaken numerous restoration and training projects, including the restoration of the Babameto monuments (Babameto I and Babameto II) in Gjirokastër. CHwB Albania promotes cultural heritage as an engine for local and regional development, attracting tourists and creating economic opportunities. Its work is guided by principles of human rights, reconciliation, and poverty reduction, and it continues to expand its geographic reach within Albania and the Balkans.

Cultural Heritage without Borders (CHwB) was founded in Sweden in 1995 and began its cooperation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, later expanding to Kosovo. The organisation's engagement in Albania started with the second meeting of the South East Europe Heritage Network (SEE), organised in collaboration with the Mjaft! Movement in Gjirokastër in 2006. This was followed by the First Regional Restoration Camp in September 2007, organised in partnership with the Albanian NGO Organisation for the Preservation and Development of Gjirokastër (GCDO) and the Swedish Association for the Preservation of Buildings. After the success of the camp, Albanian authorities responsible for the protection and care of monuments requested CHwB to extend its influence and expand its activities. This led to a funding application to SIDA, which was approved for the period 2008-2011. This was the first cooperation agreement that specifically focused on Albania. Following the completion of cooperation agreements with national and local authorities, CHwB opened its first office in Albania at the end of 2009. While most activities continued in Gjirokastër, the main office for Albania was established in Tirana to facilitate meetings with stakeholders and government donors. Through the Gjirokastër office, CHwB Albania was able to carry out some of its most important work, such as training and restoration projects involving the two Babameto monuments (Babameto I and Babameto II), which have been successfully restored and revitalised. The geographic expansion of CHwB's activities in Albania continued, and the organisation remains active in promoting cultural heritage as a catalyst for development and reconciliation.

• 2009

  CHwB opened its first office in Albania, with the main office in Tirana and activities in Gjirokastër.

• 2008

  SIDA funding approved for CHwB's Albania-focused cooperation for 2008-2011.

• 2007

  First Regional Restoration Camp held in September in Gjirokastër.

• 2006

  Second meeting of the South East Europe Heritage Network held in Gjirokastër, Albania, marking the start of CHwB's engagement in Albania.

• 1995

  Cultural Heritage without Borders founded in Sweden.

Non-profit organisation promoting cultural heritage as a driver for local and regional development, reconciliation, and human rights.

1. 1HOME - CHwBchwbalbania.org
2. 2ABOUT US - CHwBchwbalbania.org
3. 3Cultural Heritage without Borders Albania - Wikidatawikidata.org