Build local capacity and law enforcement cooperation to combat illicit trafficking of Albanian cultural heritage

Albania’s cultural heritage reflects a rich and complex history shaped by diverse cultural influences. Nevertheless, the country continues to face challenges related to the illicit trafficking of its cultural heritage.

With financial support from the Cultural Property Agreement Implementation Grant (CPAIG) program provided by the Department of State through the U.S. Embassy in Tirana, Cultural Heritage without Borders Albania (CHwB Albania) has launched a two-year project titled “Build Local Capacity and Law Enforcement Cooperation to Combat Illicit Trafficking of Albanian Cultural Heritage”. This initiative will help strengthen national capacities to safeguard cultural property, focusing on law enforcement training, public awareness, and cross-institutional collaboration, combining round tables, professional training, stakeholder engagement, site assessments and public outreach.

The core of the project focuses on empowering those on the front lines of cultural heritage protection. CHwB Albania will work closely with national and local institutions, including police forces, customs officials, border control units, cultural heritage professionals, and government agencies, to enhance coordination and establish stronger frameworks for preventing illicit activities. Throughout the project, more than 100 professionals will receive targeted training on how to identify, monitor, and respond to cultural property crimes, supported by expert trainers and specialists from both national and international networks. Moreover, a series of roundtable discussions will be organized to identify the needs, priorities, and opportunities for cooperation and coordination among institutions and key stakeholders.

In addition to capacity building, the project includes detailed site security assessments at Apollonia, Byllis, and Antigonea, sites of great cultural and historical importance in Albania that collectively represent over two thousand years of Albanian and Mediterranean heritage. Even so, these cultural treasures face growing challenges due to the risks associated with the illicit trafficking of artifacts. Each of these locations will be visited by security consultants and local authorities to evaluate current conditions and develop tailored surveillance and monitoring strategies. These strategies will not only help protect the sites themselves, but also serve as models that can be replicated at other heritage locations across the country.

Equally important is raising public awareness. A significant component of the project focuses on engaging communities living close to the sites, especially young people and educators. Through public campaigns, educational materials, and media outreach, the project will encourage a shift in mindset, which sees cultural heritage not just as the responsibility of the state, but as a shared legacy that all Albanians have a role in protecting.

This project aligns with Albania’s commitments under the 2021 U.S.–Albania Cultural Property Agreement and supports key priorities identified in the draft action plan under development by the Albanian government and the Cultural Heritage Center. It is also in line with international frameworks such as the UNESCO 1970 Convention and the EU Action Plan against Trafficking in Cultural Goods, as well as Albania’s own Strategy Against Organized Crime and Serious Crimes 2021–2025.

CHwB Albania believes that protecting cultural heritage is not just about preserving the past, it is about investing in a more secure, informed, and culturally rich future. This project reflects that belief and reinforces our commitment to supporting national efforts to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property.

Trafficking through illegal routes, whether it involves human beings or other illicit goods, poses a serious threat to global security and human dignity. It fuels organized crime, undermines legal economies, and causes deep social harm. Raising awareness and strengthening collective efforts are essential steps toward preventing and combating this complex and destructive phenomenon.

We invite all stakeholders, partners, and members of the public to follow the project’s progress and join us on safeguarding Albania’s cultural heritage.