Butrint National Park 'Integrated Management Plan' - Combining Natural Park with Cultural Heritage

Inhabited since prehistoric times, Butrint (ancient Buthrotum), has been the site of a Greek colony, a Roman city and a bishopric. Following a period of prosperity under Byzantine administration, then a brief occupation by the Venetians, the city was abandoned in the late Middle Ages after marshes formed in the area. The present archaeological site has remains representing each period in the city's development. Today, Butrint is an Archaeological Park under the patronage of both UNESCO and Natural Park. The ancient city of Butrint is the best example of combining cultural heritage with the elements of the Natural Park.

Owing to the changes in climate that have occurred in the last two decades, the archaeological site of Butrint, especially the area of the ancient theatre and Roman forum, are covered by water at times. The implementation of intervention projects for monuments has been inefficient however due to prolonged procedures and the jurisdiction overlap between specialised institutions. Because of this, a new reasonable approach on conservation interventions and archaeological excavations will be taken on some of the monuments at the Archaeological Park of Butrint . These interventions will be regulated by an Integrated Management Plan implemented in 2021, and will include the management of cultural and natural assets. The Management Plan conditions will determine, control and ensure a sustainable and long-term administration of the monuments and the site.

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• Keywords: Butrint, National Park, Archaeological Park, Natural Park, management, Ramsar Convention, UNESCO, tourism, strategic location
• Accepted: 14 November 2022. Published: 23 March 2023
• Funding: The publication of this article is funded by the European Archaeological Council
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