The workshop, held from 28 June to 1 July 2011sits within the framework of the Integrated Conservation Programme of CHwB which is implemented together with the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning (MESP) / Institute for Spatial Planning Planning (ISP). This activity was supported and co-organized with the Institute for Protection of Monuments of Culture in Gjakova municipality.

Through the participation of civil society, representatives from various municipal departments and officials from ministries and other central institutions, an open discussion of the problems associated with the state of cultural heritage in this area was made possible. Possible solutions were identified, focusing on improving living conditions and sources of potential local development through cultural heritage in Gjakova.

The Workshop culminated with a visit to the Valbona Gorge (Albania), the aim of which was to explore an example of the effective utilization of natural and cultural heritage in rural tourism. The locations visited allowed participants to recognise the value of using traditional houses for tourist services of the guesthouse type. In addition to the special nature walks in Valbona, there were visits to sites of cultural and historical value specific to the region, such as the Kulla Mic Sokoli Tower, Kulla known for the Bujan Conference and the tombs of the martyrs of the National Liberation War.

The examples and new experiences that were selected, and those that were presented and analysed during the workshop, inspired the participants to integrate new elements of assessment within their daily experiences of cultural and natural heritage.

The next step will be the drafting of a report, incorporating suggestions and remarks that arose from the activities during the workshop, and bringing it to a wider public.