Sustaining Cultural and Natural Heritage in Albania

A groundbreaking project, 'School for Cultural Heritage through Map Exploitation' (SCHEME), demonstrates how interactive multimedia mapping and crowdfunding can revolutionize heritage preservation in Albania. By leveraging existing technologies like the Ljubljana Process, SCHEME creates a dynamic platform that collects multifaceted data from schools, enriching the database with student-collected memories. This approach shifts heritage governance from traditional top-down models to an inclusive, participatory framework where stakeholders actively contribute. The project also includes small-scale rehabilitation initiatives for winning cultural assets, funded through crowdfunding campaigns. By focusing on Albania's Lake Ohrid Region as a pilot area, SCHEME not only preserves neglected inland sites but also reduces pressure on more famous coastal heritage locations. This innovative method offers a sustainable model for cultural tourism and heritage valorization.

Dollani, A., Lerario, A., & Maiellaro, N. (2016). Sustaining Cultural and Natural Heritage in Albania. Sustainability, 8(8), 792. https://doi.org/10.3390/su8080792