The Albanian government has approved a new procedure for the public announcement of cultural heritage assets discovered at sea, strengthening the protection and preservation of the country’s underwater cultural heritage.
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said Albania’s location along the Adriatic and Ionian coasts, together with its long maritime and trading history, has left valuable historical, archaeological, cultural and scientific remains beneath its waters.
“These include shipwrecks, ancient port structures and archaeological objects linked to historic trade routes, reflecting Albania’s long-standing connections with Mediterranean civilizations,” Gonxhja said.
The minister explained that the new decision establishes a unified procedure for publicly announcing cultural assets discovered in the sea and lakes after authorities complete documentation, verification, assessment, declaration and registration, in accordance with Albania’s cultural heritage legislation.
The procedure also strengthens coordination among responsible institutions and ensures that the public receives information about the historical, archaeological, cultural and scientific significance of newly discovered assets while safeguarding their protection.
The decision also provides for cooperation between Albanian institutions and, when discoveries have cross-border or international significance, coordination with other countries and international organizations in line with Albania’s commitments to protecting underwater cultural heritage.
Gonxhja said the measure marks another step toward preserving Albania’s history and passing its cultural heritage on to future generations.
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