The Kosovo Council for Cultural Heritage (KCCH) has permanently protected 93 cultural heritage assets, according to its Director, Artan Krasniqi. These assets include archaeological sites, architectural monuments, and cultural landscapes.
Krasniqi emphasized that Kosovo’s system involves regional cultural heritage centers conducting fieldwork to identify and document new sites, which are then submitted to the Ministry of Culture for verification.
“The KCCH currently safeguards 93 assets, mainly archaeological, architectural, and cultural landscapes. Regional centers conduct on-site evaluations and submit their findings to the Ministry of Culture and the KCCH for final verification and inclusion in the permanent protection list,” said Krasniqi.
Imbalance Between Temporary and Permanent Protection
While over 1,000 heritage sites are under temporary protection, the number of those permanently protected remains significantly smaller. According to Krasniqi, all assets initially receive temporary protection, with annual assessments determining whether they qualify for permanent status.
“There’s a discrepancy between the assets under temporary and permanent protection. Regional centers and institutions are working to address this gap by preparing detailed dossiers for more assets to be granted permanent protection,” he added.
Challenges in Preserving Cultural Heritage
Krasniqi acknowledged the challenges in preserving cultural heritage, particularly for assets located in urban areas where development pressures threaten their integrity.
“Urban centers pose a significant challenge as economic development and business investments increase pressure to demolish heritage sites. While maintenance is costly and time-sensitive, there is widespread commitment to preserving and protecting what remains of our cultural legacy,” Krasniqi stated.
Despite these challenges, Krasniqi remains optimistic, citing enthusiasm and dedication among stakeholders to safeguard Kosovo’s cultural heritage.
