Our Common Heritage a Civil Society Review

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Our Common Heritage A Civil Society Review

Pejë/Peċ, Klinë/Klina, Deçan/Deċane , Istog/Istok, Gjakovë/ Đakovica and Junik > 2013 Acknowledgements

We would like to express our appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to the development of this annual report, "Our Common Heritage - A Civil Society Review", as well as various activities in Kosovo* West in 2013;

• EU / CoE Joint Project – Support to the Promotion of Cultural Diversity (PCDK)

• Irish Heritage Council

• Community members of six municipalities

• Mayors of Pejë/Peċ, Klinë/Klina, Deçan/Deċane , Istog/Istok, Gjakovë/Đakovica and Junik

• Centres of Cultural Heritage Pejë/Peċ and Gjakovë/Đakovica

• British Embassy in Pristina

• European Union Oﬃce in Kosovo / European Union Special Representative in Kosovo Our Common • Regional Development Agency (RDA) – West

• NGOs: PHM West, Arteza, Podguri, Balkan Heritage Promotion, CHWB , Agimi Isniq, ERA, Marimangat e Pejës, Rugova Experience, 7 A Civil Society Review Shtatori ,Haxhi Zeka Public University Pejë/Peċ, Klinë/Klina, Deçan/Deċane , Istog/Istok, Gjakovë/ Đakovica and Junik > 2013

* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.

This document was produced within the framework of the Joint Project "EU/CoE Support to the Promotion of Cultural Diversity in Kosovo". The content does not necessarily represent the oﬃcial position of the European Union and/or the Council of Europe. Acknowledgements

• EU / CoE Joint Project – Support to the Promotion of Cultural Diversity (PCDK)

• Irish Heritage Council

• Community members of six municipalities

• Mayors of Pejë/Peċ, Klinë/Klina, Deçan/Deċane , Istog/Istok, Gjakovë/Đakovica and Junik

• Centres of Cultural Heritage Pejë/Peċ and Gjakovë/Đakovica

• British Embassy in Pristina

• European Union Oﬃce in Kosovo / European Union Special Representative in Kosovo Our Common • Regional Development Agency (RDA) – West

* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.

Contents Key concepts

Local Economic Development (LED) From the Promotion of Heritage 5/ Key concepts Management Programme (PHM) to In the context of this initiative, LED refers to an the Heritage and Diversity integrated approach to heritage and heritage 6/ Programme (HDP) Foreword management through the responsible use of heritage resources as promoted by the Local The HDP is considered a community-based and 7/ Introduction Economic Development (LED) component of the independent think-tank group for Kosovo West, PCDK project. It is inspired by the Local which was originally developed as a PHM in order to 8/ Background Development Pilot Project (LDPP) of the Council of conduct extensive research, collect data about the Europe's Regional Programme for Cultural and region and carry out comparative analysis, feeding 10/ Heritage Review 2013 Natural Heritage in South East Europe. In Kosovo, into long term strategies and plans developed LED followed a more speciﬁc focus on heritage locally. Through developed capacity at the local 12/ Regional Highlights tourism, laying out a sound methodology and tools level, these plans are prepared by local alongside concrete examples of programme stakeholders for the local communities, in 15/ Municipal Highlights implementation. accordance with the laws and regulations set by the central authorities. Working with the six 26/ Challenges in management municipalities of the region, HDP focuses on Heritage Plan (HP) research, promotion, innovative actions, 28/ Toward responsible The Heritage Plan for Kosovo West is a community - professional development and support to strategy management based strategic document which intends to identify making and heritage planning. the most appropriate approaches to advance a 29/ Social inclusion sustainable heritage tourism component within an Our Common Heritage - overall tourism strategy for the region. Heritage 30/ Recommendations Plans are based upon an intensely participatory A Civil Society Review process that encourages local actors to play an This is a follow-up document that aims at providing 31/ Heritage Community West increasingly important role in maintaining the credible information and assessments to inform and Partners heritage of their own communities and planning for authorities, the business community and the public its future. The Plan calls for coordinated action to further engage the community in pursuing among all parties by activating local groups, economic, social and environmental sustainability. stakeholders and communities to engage directly It serves as an annual update and a fact sheet that with heritage, and use the technical as well as social lays any emerging issues in front of the public for and economic tools that can be employed to ensure collective problem solving. its protection. 4/ Our Common Heritage - A Civil Society Review | Kosovo West | 5

Contents Key concepts

Local Economic Development (LED) From the Promotion of Heritage 5/ Key concepts Management Programme (PHM) to In the context of this initiative, LED refers to an the Heritage and Diversity integrated approach to heritage and heritage 6/ Programme (HDP) Foreword management through the responsible use of heritage resources as promoted by the Local The HDP is considered a community-based and 7/ Introduction Economic Development (LED) component of the independent think-tank group for Kosovo West, PCDK project. It is inspired by the Local which was originally developed as a PHM in order to 8/ Background Development Pilot Project (LDPP) of the Council of conduct extensive research, collect data about the Europe's Regional Programme for Cultural and region and carry out comparative analysis, feeding 10/ Heritage Review 2013 Natural Heritage in South East Europe. In Kosovo, into long term strategies and plans developed LED followed a more speciﬁc focus on heritage locally. Through developed capacity at the local 12/ Regional Highlights tourism, laying out a sound methodology and tools level, these plans are prepared by local alongside concrete examples of programme stakeholders for the local communities, in 15/ Municipal Highlights implementation. accordance with the laws and regulations set by the central authorities. Working with the six 26/ Challenges in management municipalities of the region, HDP focuses on Heritage Plan (HP) research, promotion, innovative actions, 28/ Toward responsible The Heritage Plan for Kosovo West is a community - professional development and support to strategy management based strategic document which intends to identify making and heritage planning. the most appropriate approaches to advance a 29/ Social inclusion sustainable heritage tourism component within an Our Common Heritage - overall tourism strategy for the region. Heritage 30/ Recommendations Plans are based upon an intensely participatory A Civil Society Review process that encourages local actors to play an This is a follow-up document that aims at providing 31/ Heritage Community West increasingly important role in maintaining the credible information and assessments to inform and Partners heritage of their own communities and planning for authorities, the business community and the public its future. The Plan calls for coordinated action to further engage the community in pursuing among all parties by activating local groups, economic, social and environmental sustainability. stakeholders and communities to engage directly It serves as an annual update and a fact sheet that with heritage, and use the technical as well as social lays any emerging issues in front of the public for and economic tools that can be employed to ensure collective problem solving. its protection. 6/ Our Common Heritage - A Civil Society Review | Kosovo West | 7

Foreword Introduction

The regional communities in western Kosovo are a In order to actively manage, restore, enhance, and The diversity and richness of heritage and landscape heritage as a local resource might not be significant dignified people, living amongst a beautiful natural protect the natural, cultural, and landscape heritage in the western part of Kosovo is often emphasised as to some; however, it is sacred to many who live environment that is also rich in cultural heritage. of Kosovo West, systematic and coordinated work one of the essential attractions of this region. The there. T h e y a re g rad u a ll y d e ve l o p i ng a b e t te r among municipalities and communities is juxtaposition of historic and modern, urban and This publication, "Our Common Heritage - A Civil understanding of the value of heritage in society unavoidable and cannot be delayed. rural buildings and architectural typologies, a Society Review 2013", is not about listing existing and, considering these heritage assets as a variety of handicraft traditions passed down by assets in the region and providing technical and resource, there are increasing efforts to understand The "Our Common Heritage - A Civil Society Review" generations of artisans, a wealth of stories that have historical data on them, but offers a critical look at how they can collectively work towards ensuring a report is a follow up to the recommendations of the been told through the centuries, the presence of a the current state of these assets, and provides sustainable society that can be enjoyed by their Heritage Plan West (2012-2015) and aims at number of ethnic and religious groups, and the factual data about their responsible utilisation, children and future generations. providing credible information and assessments to renowned and genuine hospitality, are some of the protection, maintenance and management. inform authorities, the business community and the particularities of this region. The publication is addressed firstly to the local For many, cultural heritage is considered an public to further engage the community in pursuing communities and authorities who take pride in and economically viable asset in terms of tourism while, economic, social and environmental sustainability. The region is a unique - but, at the same time, enjoy the benefits of living in this area. Further, it at the same time, cultural and natural heritage are complex - example of the value of heritage to provides a framework for those institutions, central acutely endangered due to short term economic We hope that this report offers inspiration and society. The recent history of Europe clearly authorities and potential donors who can gain an interests, growing urbanisation, lack of awareness encourages all communities in the Kosovo West demonstrates the reciprocity of cultural and natural overall picture of the situation for future planning and cooperation. The aim of the document is to go and care. Kosovo remains one of the poorest areas region to get involved and contribute in whatever sites and monuments with the local peoples to beyond the reasons why certain work has not been of Europe, with as much as 45% of the population way they can to improving the state of our common whom it belongs and to those who interact with it in done by whom. It tries to identify a clear set of living below the official poverty line and 17% being heritage, to improve our quality of life and to act different ways and on different levels; heritage plays actions, bringing interested parties together to work extremely poor, according to the World Bank. As a today to contribute to a better Kosovo West. a large part as a backdrop, environment and setting in synergy and address these issues with an response to address the issues around poverty, for contemporary life, simultaneously being a effective community-based development approach. responsible use of local resources by and for local landmark itself within the landscape. Irrespective of communities, with a long term shared vision, which social or cultural group to which one belongs, This report should be considered a follow-up action to the regional heritage plan as well as acting as a increasingly becomes a matter of survival. the Rugovë/Rugova valley and mountains are "factsheet" that lays any emerging issues in front of considered special, at a personal level, to many the public for collective problem solving. It Responsible management of cultural and natural people who have visited its gorge. Its uniqueness encourages active citizenship and democratic heritage in Kosovo West is not only a necessity for and significance is clear to all those who have spent participation, where local resources are in the the preservation of important features but also an a large proportion of their lives nearby. The public interest today as well as for the next opportunity for local socio-economic development. Patriarchate of Pejë/Peć offers a peaceful sanctuary generations to come. The document, reporting the Kosovo Heritage Community Network best practices and facts on a yearly basis, also offers from the world, regardless of one's belief system, the opportunity to measure progress and keeps the and leaves a strong impression which often changes public informed about matters related to heritage in one's outlook. the region. It encourages increased intercultural dialogue by putting shared heritage at the heart of Beyond its wealth of cultural and natural heritage, community life. Kosovo West offers unique stories. While it is still a pleasure to be able to visit a mosque or hammam With the support of the PCDK project, we are proud from the 15th century, eat delicious, traditional food to issue this publication and happy to voice the at a stone kulla and visit the World Heritage Site of constructive opinion of civil society, calling for Deçan/Visoki Dečani Monastery, we also witness citizen action to protect, care and promote heritage the rapid degradation of nature, the vanishing of of the region with an inclusive and holistic heritage sites and dying practices, in the name of approach. development and progress. All these aspects of Heritage & Diversity Programme Officer 6/ Our Common Heritage - A Civil Society Review | Kosovo West | 7

Foreword Introduction

The regional communities in western Kosovo are a In order to actively manage, restore, enhance, and The diversity and richness of heritage and landscape heritage as a local resource might not be significant dignified people, living amongst a beautiful natural protect the natural, cultural, and landscape heritage in the western part of Kosovo is often emphasised as to some; however, it is sacred to many who live environment that is also rich in cultural heritage. of Kosovo West, systematic and coordinated work one of the essential attractions of this region. The there. T h e y a re g rad u a ll y d e ve l o p i ng a b e t te r among municipalities and communities is juxtaposition of historic and modern, urban and This publication, "Our Common Heritage - A Civil understanding of the value of heritage in society unavoidable and cannot be delayed. rural buildings and architectural typologies, a Society Review 2013", is not about listing existing and, considering these heritage assets as a variety of handicraft traditions passed down by assets in the region and providing technical and resource, there are increasing efforts to understand The "Our Common Heritage - A Civil Society Review" generations of artisans, a wealth of stories that have historical data on them, but offers a critical look at how they can collectively work towards ensuring a report is a follow up to the recommendations of the been told through the centuries, the presence of a the current state of these assets, and provides sustainable society that can be enjoyed by their Heritage Plan West (2012-2015) and aims at number of ethnic and religious groups, and the factual data about their responsible utilisation, children and future generations. providing credible information and assessments to renowned and genuine hospitality, are some of the protection, maintenance and management. inform authorities, the business community and the particularities of this region. The publication is addressed firstly to the local For many, cultural heritage is considered an public to further engage the community in pursuing communities and authorities who take pride in and economically viable asset in terms of tourism while, economic, social and environmental sustainability. The region is a unique - but, at the same time, enjoy the benefits of living in this area. Further, it at the same time, cultural and natural heritage are complex - example of the value of heritage to provides a framework for those institutions, central acutely endangered due to short term economic We hope that this report offers inspiration and society. The recent history of Europe clearly authorities and potential donors who can gain an interests, growing urbanisation, lack of awareness encourages all communities in the Kosovo West demonstrates the reciprocity of cultural and natural overall picture of the situation for future planning and cooperation. The aim of the document is to go and care. Kosovo remains one of the poorest areas region to get involved and contribute in whatever sites and monuments with the local peoples to beyond the reasons why certain work has not been of Europe, with as much as 45% of the population way they can to improving the state of our common whom it belongs and to those who interact with it in done by whom. It tries to identify a clear set of living below the official poverty line and 17% being heritage, to improve our quality of life and to act different ways and on different levels; heritage plays actions, bringing interested parties together to work extremely poor, according to the World Bank. As a today to contribute to a better Kosovo West. a large part as a backdrop, environment and setting in synergy and address these issues with an response to address the issues around poverty, for contemporary life, simultaneously being a effective community-based development approach. responsible use of local resources by and for local landmark itself within the landscape. Irrespective of communities, with a long term shared vision, which social or cultural group to which one belongs, This report should be considered a follow-up action to the regional heritage plan as well as acting as a increasingly becomes a matter of survival. the Rugovë/Rugova valley and mountains are "factsheet" that lays any emerging issues in front of considered special, at a personal level, to many the public for collective problem solving. It Responsible management of cultural and natural people who have visited its gorge. Its uniqueness encourages active citizenship and democratic heritage in Kosovo West is not only a necessity for and significance is clear to all those who have spent participation, where local resources are in the the preservation of important features but also an a large proportion of their lives nearby. The public interest today as well as for the next opportunity for local socio-economic development. Patriarchate of Pejë/Peć offers a peaceful sanctuary generations to come. The document, reporting the Kosovo Heritage Community Network best practices and facts on a yearly basis, also offers from the world, regardless of one's belief system, the opportunity to measure progress and keeps the and leaves a strong impression which often changes public informed about matters related to heritage in one's outlook. the region. It encourages increased intercultural dialogue by putting shared heritage at the heart of Beyond its wealth of cultural and natural heritage, community life. Kosovo West offers unique stories. While it is still a pleasure to be able to visit a mosque or hammam With the support of the PCDK project, we are proud from the 15th century, eat delicious, traditional food to issue this publication and happy to voice the at a stone kulla and visit the World Heritage Site of constructive opinion of civil society, calling for Deçan/Visoki Dečani Monastery, we also witness citizen action to protect, care and promote heritage the rapid degradation of nature, the vanishing of of the region with an inclusive and holistic heritage sites and dying practices, in the name of approach. development and progress. All these aspects of Heritage & Diversity Programme Officer 8/ Our Common Heritage - A Civil Society Review | Kosovo West | 9

Background

The report on "Our Common Heritage - A Civil Society With a long term vision, the office for the Promotion A Heritage Plan is an opportunity to identify heritage Review" is an initiative of the HDP West. Although of Heritage Management (PHM) - West was issues and needs at the central, regional and there is no formal requirement in Kosovo, this is a established in 2012, in line with the objectives of the municipal level, and to address them locally. It is first attempt to highlight coordinated actions for the Regional Development Agency (RDA) – West and the intended to influence the actions and activities of all entire region. This report is based on consultations, Memorandum of Understanding signed by the six the key players and stakeholders involved with observations and factual data provided by the local municipalities of the region, pledging political and heritage, and to raise awareness of that heritage, its stakeholders, in the region. In addition, in financial support. Through developed capacity at value and its potential. It is therefore both a preparation of this report a number of group and bi- the local level, heritage plans are prepared by local strategic statement about what the population lateral consultations took place with local stakeholders for the local communities, in wants to achieve in terms of heritage management stakeholders and two heritage forums were accordance with the laws and regulations set by the and conservation over a 3 year period, and a list of organised in 2013 bringing interested stakeholders central authorities. actions to be undertaken to achieve the strategic together to lay out the existing situation and aims and objectives. potential next steps for the consideration of In this capacity, 2013 was considered a pilot year for communities in the Region West. PHM to turn theory into practice, also trying to set an http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/cultureheritage/cooperation/ example for other PHMs to be developed in other Kosovo/Publications/HeritagePlan-ENG.pdf The existing immovable heritage of Kosovo West was regions late in 2014. At the end of this pilot period, documented primarily by the Ministry of Culture, in line with lessons learnt as well as sustainability Youth and Sports (MCYS) through its Regional concerns, it was decided to make a shift from an Centres for Cultural Heritage Pejë/Peć and office-based structure to a programme under Gjakovë/Đakovica. During the development of the various civil society organisations across Kosovo. Heritage Plan West, out of these lists of immovable With designated programme officers in respective heritage, those which were presentable to and regions, the title of the initiative was also changed to accessible by public were highlighted for immediate 'Heritage and Diversity Programme (HDP)' as part of and mid-term actions. The process of development a network across the territory, affiliated with the of the Heritage Plan for Kosovo West (2012-2015) Kosovo Heritage Community Network. further helped to develop the list of natural heritage sites and intangible heritage practices to be identified and bring them to public attention. While these lists are not an exhaustive record of all existing assets in the region, they put emphasis on those which could be utilised in the short and immediate term. In addition, there are numerous sites that need urgent and mid-term intervention in order to ensure their protection, while management plans in the long term are needed for many. The Heritage Plan is a crucial framework document for this purpose. 8/ Our Common Heritage - A Civil Society Review | Kosovo West | 9

Background

The report on "Our Common Heritage - A Civil Society With a long term vision, the office for the Promotion A Heritage Plan is an opportunity to identify heritage Review" is an initiative of the HDP West. Although of Heritage Management (PHM) - West was issues and needs at the central, regional and there is no formal requirement in Kosovo, this is a established in 2012, in line with the objectives of the municipal level, and to address them locally. It is first attempt to highlight coordinated actions for the Regional Development Agency (RDA) – West and the intended to influence the actions and activities of all entire region. This report is based on consultations, Memorandum of Understanding signed by the six the key players and stakeholders involved with observations and factual data provided by the local municipalities of the region, pledging political and heritage, and to raise awareness of that heritage, its stakeholders, in the region. In addition, in financial support. Through developed capacity at value and its potential. It is therefore both a preparation of this report a number of group and bi- the local level, heritage plans are prepared by local strategic statement about what the population lateral consultations took place with local stakeholders for the local communities, in wants to achieve in terms of heritage management stakeholders and two heritage forums were accordance with the laws and regulations set by the and conservation over a 3 year period, and a list of organised in 2013 bringing interested stakeholders central authorities. actions to be undertaken to achieve the strategic together to lay out the existing situation and aims and objectives. potential next steps for the consideration of In this capacity, 2013 was considered a pilot year for communities in the Region West. PHM to turn theory into practice, also trying to set an http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/cultureheritage/cooperation/ example for other PHMs to be developed in other Kosovo/Publications/HeritagePlan-ENG.pdf The existing immovable heritage of Kosovo West was regions late in 2014. At the end of this pilot period, documented primarily by the Ministry of Culture, in line with lessons learnt as well as sustainability Youth and Sports (MCYS) through its Regional concerns, it was decided to make a shift from an Centres for Cultural Heritage Pejë/Peć and office-based structure to a programme under Gjakovë/Đakovica. During the development of the various civil society organisations across Kosovo. Heritage Plan West, out of these lists of immovable With designated programme officers in respective heritage, those which were presentable to and regions, the title of the initiative was also changed to accessible by public were highlighted for immediate 'Heritage and Diversity Programme (HDP)' as part of and mid-term actions. The process of development a network across the territory, affiliated with the of the Heritage Plan for Kosovo West (2012-2015) Kosovo Heritage Community Network. further helped to develop the list of natural heritage sites and intangible heritage practices to be identified and bring them to public attention. While these lists are not an exhaustive record of all existing assets in the region, they put emphasis on those which could be utilised in the short and immediate term. In addition, there are numerous sites that need urgent and mid-term intervention in order to ensure their protection, while management plans in the long term are needed for many. The Heritage Plan is a crucial framework document for this purpose. 10/ Our Common Heritage - A Civil Society Review | Kosovo West | 11

Heritage Review 2013 Overview 2013 1/ In 2013 there have not been specific changes to the • Immovable cultural heritage research, Community interest in heritage in Kosovo West has continued to grow. There is increased report "Our Common Heritage - A Civil Society conservation and restoration are the major subject understanding of the relationships between natural and cultural values, and increased Review" and approach to heritage in Kosovo West. of interest of the two regional centres for heritage. In recognition of intangible cultural heritage and cultural landscapes. There has been increased public attention to 2013 attention was put on the restoration of stone intangible heritage practices and natural heritage, "kulla" buildings, most of them located in through awareness raising activities, while more Istog/Istok. Continuously exploring archeological 2/ Capacity to monitor the conditions and trends of heritage is rather limited. The lack of data discussions on heritage and tourism took place in a sites of national importance in 2013, such as those comprehensive manner. Although no significant located near the villages of Dërsnik/Drsnik and remains a chronic problem for reporting on heritage. progress can presently be observed, the main actors Vrellë/Vrela, is also an activity in which experts from seek more cooperation and a systematic approach. these centres actively participate. Although the 3/ According to discussions at the heritage forums, site investment in immovable heritage continued from Knowledge and management of cultural and natural heritage has remained limited. visits, initiatives and plans developed by different stakeholders, the overall picture of Our Common both public and private sources, there is still a lack Heritage - A Civil Society Review in the region in the of means for continuously and effectively 4/ past year can be presented across several sectors. undertaking works which, together with the lack of Some promising approaches are emerging to integrate heritage work and community capacity within institutions, is a serious problem participation into management programmes; however, concrete results will only be seen in early highlighted by all interested parties. • The potential of natural heritage sites of the 2015. Rugovë/Rugova Gorge, Accursed Mountains, Deçan/Dečane canyon and its mineral water source, • Celebration of traditional events, organisation of Drini i Bardhë/Beli Drim spring and waterfalls, annual festivals and fairs for the promotion of 5/ Mirushë/Miruša waterfalls, Mokna mountains, traditional games, food, and artisanal practices, Our heritage is being threatened by natural and human processes, and a lack of public funds does Gjeravica/Đeravica Peak, Thermal Water Spring in were the focus of activities in 2013 in the region. not meet the required needs in the field. Banja e Pejës/Pećka Banja and water springs in Most of them, such as the "Rugova Games" (in Vrellë/Vrela and Istog/Istok, were recognised by the P e j ë / P e č ) , t h e " C h e s t n u t F e s t i v a l " ( i n 6/ central and local authorities. Attention has D e ç a n / D e c a n e ) , " S o f r a G j a k o v a r e " ( i n There were commonly-experienced problems due to inadequate management and land use increased on the need for an integrated approach to Gjakovë/Đakovica), or the "Apple Festival" (in the development and implementation of spatial and issues. Istog/Istok), are increasingly gaining popularity and environmental protection initiatives and plans (Mirushë/Miruša waterfalls development plan, the interest of local the population and visitors. 7/ Initiatives and plans for the development of such regulation of Klinë/Klina river confluence, etc.), as Natural heritage sites call for systematic maintenance and management plans in order to projects in 2013 are evidently recognised by each of well as the need to develop mechanisms for contribute to local economic development in the region. maintenance of the recently declared National Park the municipalities, central level agencies and of the Accursed Mountains. An integrated approach international organisations. to the issue is even more important because this 8/ natural monument extends through the territory of The efforts to rehabilitate immovable cultural heritage assets are not at a satisfactory level, with several municipalities (Pejë/Peć, Gjakovë/ the exception of a few which have undergone emergency interventions. There are many important Ɖakovica, Junik, Deçan/Dečane and Istog/Istok). buildings of architectural merit listed by the regional centres for heritage that need immediate The initial action on recognition of cultural and attention. natural landscape importance (provided in Klinë/Klina) for local development strategies is a new approach to the environment, safeguarding it 9/ for future generations. Heritage-related events are closely linked to tourism development in the region and should be increasingly supported by the local and central authorities. 10/ Our Common Heritage - A Civil Society Review | Kosovo West | 11

Regional Highlights

a) Production of an album on Bjeshkët e Nemuna/Prokletĳe National Park in The event was sponsored by the PCDK project, the accordance with the Law on National Park 04/L-086. intangible heritage practices British Embassy Pristina and the Oﬃce of the EU The process of drafting the plan is being driven in Special Representative in Pristina. The MCYS, together with the Regional Centre for parallel to the Municipal Development Plan (MDP) www.phm-west.org/phm/projects.html Cultural Heritage Pejë/Peć and in close cooperation revision process in Pejë/Peć, which covers an important area of the National Park and with other stakeholders, worked on creating an • Herb Garden Project: Rugovë/Rugova Valley. album about the habits, songs, poems and holidays During the activities celebrating Natural Heritage www.unhabitat-kosovo.org/en-us/News-and- popular in the region. (The album was produced in Days in October 2013, the launching of the Herb Events/740 Albanian and will soon be translated into Serbian Garden Project in Pejë/Peć was organised by the and English). d) Heritage Forums NGO PHM with the participation of pupils, local authorities and other stakeholders. The project was The aim of the forums in 2013 was to gather all the designed to promote an important natural heritage b) World Tourism Awards stakeholders from the diﬀerent Kosovo institutions asset - medicinal herbs of the region. The Herb A World Travel and Tourism Council Award named the who have been involved in the process of developing Garden is a social meeting place for elderly people, Rugovë/Rugova region as one of the 2013 Winners of the Heritage Plan – West 2012–2015, or who have Tourism For Tomorrow (Stewardship Destination) provided strong support to the Plan (such as the as well as a location for informal education for a and enlisted it as a World Tourism Destination. Regional Centre for Cultural Heritage (RCCH) range of social groups. Already known for its recreational and sports P e j ë / P e ć a n d R CC H G j a k o v ë / Đ a k o v i c a , (www.phm-west.org/phm/projects.html ) activities (skiing, hiking, rock climbing/caving, representatives of the six municipalities of the mountain biking), this brought international weste r n reg i o n , N G O s a n d ci vil s o ci e t y • As part of the Natural Heritage Days, a "Fruit attention to the area, potentially promoting the representatives from the region). The forums Fair" was organised in Junik by the NGO Balkan created a platform through which to discuss and importance of environmental and natural heritage Promotion, in cooperation with the PCDK project. share views and experiences on the current protection. The winning project, "Peaks of the (http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/cultureheritage/coope situation of heritage, protection measures Balkans", is a 192km cross-border trail that ration/Kosovo/WellBeing/awareness_en.asp) undertaken or requested, the development of completes a circuit crossing the three countries: management plans and other issues related to Theth (Albania), Plavë/Plav (Montenegro) and heritage as a common resource. The events will f) Dear West project: West Kosovo at reach Pejë/Peć (Kosovo). www.peaksofthebalkans.com continue to take place bi-annually. (http://www.dearwest.org)

c) The declaration of the Accursed e) European Heritage Days g) “Hajde” visits , organised by local NGOs Mountains National Park • Heritage Train 2013 in cooperation with the PCDK project The implementation of the project organised by the The Municipality of Pejë/Peć, together with the (www.coe.int/pcdk - Newsletter13) NGO PHM took place in the municipalities of Municipal Spatial Planning Support Programme Pejë/Peć and Deçan/Dećane during three weekends (MuSPP) implemented by UN-Habitat and ﬁnanced h) “Let's Clean Up Kosovo” in September 2013, where visitors had the by Swedish Development Cooperation, organised a opportunity to visit important and attractive (http://www.letsdoitkosova.org/) workshop on on the Rugovë/Rugova Valley and the heritage sites and be introduced to the local culture Spatial Plan for the Bjeshkët e Nemuna/Prokletĳe of both municipalities. Around 700 participants (Accursed Mountains) National Park. from a variety of backgrounds - including families with children, students, the elderly, and people from The Institute of Spatial Planning, within the Ministry local and international communities - witnessed and of Environment and Spatial Planning, is currently experienced the cultural heritage attractions of the drafting the Spatial Planning (MESP) for the Kosovo West region. 12/ 13

Regional Highlights a) Production of an album on Bjeshkët e Nemuna/Prokletĳe National Park in The event was sponsored by the PCDK project, the accordance with the Law on National Park 04/L-086. intangible heritage practices British Embassy Pristina and the Office of the EU The process of drafting the plan is being driven in Special Representative in Pristina. The MCYS, together with the Regional Centre for parallel to the Municipal Development Plan (MDP) www.phm-west.org/phm/projects.html Cultural Heritage Pejë/Peć and in close cooperation revision process in Pejë/Peć, which covers an important area of the National Park and with other stakeholders, worked on creating an • Herb Garden Project: Rugovë/Rugova Valley. album about the habits, songs, poems and holidays During the activities celebrating Natural Heritage www.unhabitat-kosovo.org/en-us/News-and- popular in the region. (The album was produced in Days in October 2013, the launching of the Herb Events/740 Albanian and will soon be translated into Serbian Garden Project in Pejë/Peć was organised by the and English). d) Heritage Forums NGO PHM with the participation of pupils, local authorities and other stakeholders. The project was The aim of the forums in 2013 was to gather all the designed to promote an important natural heritage b) World Tourism Awards stakeholders from the different Kosovo institutions asset - medicinal herbs of the region. The Herb A World Travel and Tourism Council Award named the who have been involved in the process of developing Garden is a social meeting place for elderly people, Rugovë/Rugova region as one of the 2013 Winners of the Heritage Plan – West 2012–2015, or who have Tourism For Tomorrow (Stewardship Destination) provided strong support to the Plan (such as the as well as a location for informal education for a and enlisted it as a World Tourism Destination. Regional Centre for Cultural Heritage (RCCH) range of social groups. Already known for its recreational and sports P e j ë / P e ć a n d R CC H G j a k o v ë / Đ a k o v i c a , (www.phm-west.org/phm/projects.html ) activities (skiing, hiking, rock climbing/caving, representatives of the six municipalities of the mountain biking), this brought international weste r n reg i o n , N G O s a n d ci vil s o ci e t y • As part of the Natural Heritage Days, a "Fruit attention to the area, potentially promoting the representatives from the region). The forums Fair" was organised in Junik by the NGO Balkan created a platform through which to discuss and importance of environmental and natural heritage Promotion, in cooperation with the PCDK project. share views and experiences on the current protection. The winning project, "Peaks of the (http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/cultureheritage/coope situation of heritage, protection measures Balkans", is a 192km cross-border trail that ration/Kosovo/WellBeing/awareness_en.asp) undertaken or requested, the development of completes a circuit crossing the three countries: management plans and other issues related to Theth (Albania), Plavë/Plav (Montenegro) and heritage as a common resource. The events will f) Dear West project: West Kosovo at reach Pejë/Peć (Kosovo). www.peaksofthebalkans.com continue to take place bi-annually. (http://www.dearwest.org) c) The declaration of the Accursed e) European Heritage Days g) “Hajde” visits , organised by local NGOs Mountains National Park • Heritage Train 2013 in cooperation with the PCDK project The implementation of the project organised by the The Municipality of Pejë/Peć, together with the (www.coe.int/pcdk - Newsletter13) NGO PHM took place in the municipalities of Municipal Spatial Planning Support Programme Pejë/Peć and Deçan/Dećane during three weekends (MuSPP) implemented by UN-Habitat and financed h) “Let's Clean Up Kosovo” in September 2013, where visitors had the by Swedish Development Cooperation, organised a opportunity to visit important and attractive (http://www.letsdoitkosova.org/) workshop on on the Rugovë/Rugova Valley and the heritage sites and be introduced to the local culture Spatial Plan for the Bjeshkët e Nemuna/Prokletĳe of both municipalities. Around 700 participants (Accursed Mountains) National Park. from a variety of backgrounds - including families with children, students, the elderly, and people from The Institute of Spatial Planning, within the Ministry local and international communities - witnessed and of Environment and Spatial Planning, is currently experienced the cultural heritage attractions of the drafting the Spatial Planning (MESP) for the Kosovo West region. 14/ Our Common Heritage - A Civil Society Review | Kosovo West | 15

Municipal Highlights

Deçan/Dečane