Apply NOW to join us at the 52 nd RRC in Gjirokastra, Albania

Camp Theme: Heritage Interpretation and Trails Design

Welcome to the 52nd Regional Restoration Camp! Join us this year as we gear up and prepare ourselves for some good hikes through the landscapes of the Drino Valley. This year’s Camp will be themed in Heritage Interpretation and it will focus on the design of cultural trails connecting the monasteries of the Drino Valley. Get ready to explore, learn, and create memories in this unique cultural setting.

The primary objective of RRC 52 is to not just impart knowledge about cultural tourism to young professionals, but also aims to facilitate their engagement with the monasteries of the Drino Valley through the creation of cultural trails that connect some of these cultural assets. The camp topic and activity is related to another project that CHwB Albania is currently implementing: “The Drino Valley Monasteries Cultural Routes: Connecting Rural Communities”, which will aim at preserving the monastery complexes of Albania’s southern Drino Valley – through local community engagement – by safeguarding their spiritual and historical values, while encouraging the development of a sustainable model for tourism and economic development.

The Camp will combine theoretical knowledge with practical on-site work related to the design and building of cultural trails, cultural tourism and site-specific interpretation and oral histories. Participants will have the chance to attend informative presentations that offer insights into the historical significance, as well as on-site visits in some of the monasteries located in the region.

Cultural trails, often composed of physical or virtual routes, connect individuals to historical sites, landmarks, museums, that encapsulate a community’s identity. By following cultural trails, people can gain a deeper understanding of the traditions, customs, and stories that have shaped a particular region. They also contribute to the preservation of cultural and historical sites, encouraging responsible tourism and sustainable practices.

Another important aspect that will be explored further during this camp is the DMF (Destination Management Framework). Destination Management is defined as the organized administration of all components constituting a destination, encompassing attractions, amenities, accessibility, human resources, image, and price. Its primary function involves guiding and organizing activities according to a unified strategy or plan, with a focus on serving the interests of all stakeholders. The DMF has two main goals: (1) Maximizing the positive impact of tourism on the destination, ensuring that everyone benefits from it; (2) Securing the sustainability of tourism in the long term.

Participating in this camp brings a unique opportunity but also the responsibility to actively contribute to a concrete project. As a Camp participant, you will gain knowledge in Heritage Interpretation, trail building, cultural tourism and will have the opportunity to make a tangible impact on
the sustainable use of these cultural heritage assets.

Don’t miss out—join us now!

Regional Restoration Camp 52 is organized with funding from Sweden, the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) and in collaboration with the World Monuments Fund.

What’s special about the Monasteries of the Drino Valley?

The Monasteries of the Drino Valley are typologically related to the post-Byzantine period (16th – 19th centuries). Situated amidst the mountainous landscapes of the Drino, this locale has been named as “Little Mount Athos” among scholars.

The central point of each monastery complex is the church, which is also surrounded by structures facilitating daily activities, lodgings for travelers and storage spaces for wines or harvests.

Certain monasteries conducted handicraft workshops focusing on the decoration of codices, the sewing of sacred garments, the carving of iconostasis, and the painting of icons. Others engaged in publishing diverse religious books and establishing extensive libraries, undertook charitable endeavors – by offering medical assistance or functioning as health and/or orphanage centers.

The monasteries hosted fairs, drawing pilgrims from nearby and distant villages along with merchants.

While no longer serving these functions today, the Monasteries of the Drino Valley hold significant value in their connection to a distinctive and breathtaking cultural and environmental landscape. It will be these dimensions that will be further explored and worked upon during the camp.

LOCATION : Drino Valley, Gjirokastër, Albania

DATES : 25th of February – 7th of March*

The organizers reserve the right to change the days, time and location(s) of the Camp due to technical or organizational needs by announcing such changes in advance. Fees & Scholarships The fee for participation in the Camps is 900 euros. This fee will cover tuition, on-site accommodation, camp materials and tools, emergency health insurance and planned excursions. For all accepted applicants from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania and Serbia, there will be a scholarship to cover the costs of the Camp. The scholarship will pay the full 900 Euro fee.
Participants will be responsible for their everyday meal’s expenses and travel to and from the Camp locations. These costs are not included in the participation fee. *** Application and deadline

If you find yourself interested and don’t want to miss your chance of having this experience, then apply here.

Deadline for applications: 11th February