SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF SOUTH COST BY PRESERVING TRADITIONAL CULTURAL HERITAGE Author: Kalterina Shulla Reference number: 259 Graduated in Architecture, Urban Studies Polytechnic University of Tirana, Msc “Urban Environmental Management”, Wageningen University, The Netherlands Architect in Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Telecommunication since 2000

South Albania lies along the Ionian Sea part of Mediterranean Sea. The Ionian According to S2N (Strategy of two networks, Tjallingji 1995), the traffic network coastline is approx. 170 km long and a population of about 70,000 inhabitants carries functions as mass recreation. The water network carries functions like leave in this settlements. This area is rich in historical monuments and water extraction and recreation. This create a zoning ranging from tranquil and traditional villages mostly settled in the hills with easy access to the sea. The unpolluted, to busy polluted areas. Applying this strategy in a tourist region is villages have Mediterranean features characterized by a vernacular/self built done with the purpose to distinguish the different types of tourist development. architecture mostly by stone and usually in white colour. Their layout is adapted This tourist area is characterised by fast change and movement and the lack of to the landscape contours. Area is rich in archaeological sites (ancient city of planning based on sustainable principles has created conditions for uncontrolled Butrinti). It is characterized by a unique scenic landscapes rocky going steeply development and resource exhausted. The concept contributes to the into the sea. The area has priority for development as an international tourist development of integral designs of landscapes and leave room for ever changing zones. needs of the residents. Current urban development practises in the coastal area are object to strong development pressure threatening the whole integrity. Sprawl and chaotic The area is divided in three zoning categories each of them with different development can risk the whole uniformity of the villages as assemble. New potential for tourism development. materials and forms are added to village texture. The interference of new 1. “The high dynamic areas” and intense tourism. constructions inside villages is done without taking into account old architectural standards. Furthermore, the need for fast tourism development is not considering the traditional values. Except for the architectural and historic value, These are the tourist centres that have already access from national road, these villages are valuable also as a building resource. where the mass tourism development is ongoing or is expected to develop with high capacities. These tourist centres with potential for mass tourism are Economic changes (private property, demand for fast tourism development, Vlora, , Saranda. The existing infrastructure has dictated somehow this coastal land, fast economic growth, politic (planning system problems) and kind of development but the new investments to increase the carrying social changes (population movement toward the coast, population density, capacity of the area are expected. The areas near or within these living population activities) are main driving forces causing problems in the tourist centres with high densities are already experiencing strong development regionThe free movement of population created opportunities for massive pressure, where the traffic network carries the dynamic functions. In the future population flows. This uncontrolled distribution of population has caused the the intensive development can be stressed in these areas as “The high uncontrolled and speculative investment of capitals. Although it is noticed an economic dynamism along the coast, the boom of construction has influenced dynamic areas”. Airline access, nautical access new road investments, urban infrastructure, lands use, natural and cultural heritage resources. Another railways is foreseen to be bundled together in Vlora and Saranda points, in problem is the abounded houses that risk degrading. order not to fragment by transport the natural belt between them. By concentrating development and investments in this points the natural Plan proposal landscapes will be protected.

Rehabilitations plans are necessary for traditional villages in order to preserve 2. “The high dynamic areas” and traditional tourism. cultural heritage, landscape and historical significance, diminish the need for new constructions, preservation of land and architectural values. From the tourism prospective these house stock can be restored and reused. Plan for The traditional villages will be the second stage from the density and dynamic area development based on sustainable principles are a necessity to prevent development prospective. These traditional villages like Palase, Dhermi, further degradation o the area. , Pilur, old Himara, , , Lukova, Shen Vasil, etc can develop the bed and breakfast tourism by revitalization of old houses and reuse of them. These areas can be upgraded to relatively high dynamic areas. Thus except for the architectural and historic value, they are valuable as a building resource.Due to the population migration the traditional villages create a considerable amount of stock houses. The break down of old houses should be the last option. From the tourism prospective these house stock can be restored and reused. Revitalization of the traditional houses can fulfil a part of the house demand for domestic and internationals tourist. By using this housing stock the quality of environment can be increased and environmental pollution reduced. The existing national road can be sufficient for their access but nautical tourism can be used to reach these locations as well.

3. “The low dynamic areas” and eco- tourism

Low dynamic functions will be the last stage from the dynamic intensity. Natural landscapes near the sea and the sandy beaches will be considered low dynamic recreational areas with potential for eco-tourism and beach tourism. These natural landscapes rivers and water resources, where accessibility is difficult due to the absence of infrastructure and can be reached by paths, boats etc. they will be left in natural state with low-impact used for eco-tourism. The recreational areas with low dynamic functions will be considered the areas where pilot projects for eco- tourism development will be held.

By concentrating the infrastructure networks at heavy points, it creates conditions for efficient use of it, for exploiting public transport and managing pollution and noise control and makes possible the management of flows. The region except strong future development in infrastructure By concentrating the infrastructure in corridors create conditions for the reduction of barriers and less fragmentation of the landscape, the conservation of the smaller regions from the unplanned development. Therefore the traffic principle of S2N makes possible the management of areas. The proper strategies for collecting the infrastructure in corridors can affect the region long-term development. Canalizing infrastructure in corridors can secure ecological integration in urban design and planning This spatial division influence economic activities. Depending on function divisions, the zone division can influence the type of businesses for the region. The traditional villages on the rural areas can develop house tourism. Rural areas can develop agriculture business in small scale. It is noticed a dislike of agro-industry in the country, due to the fact the rural areas are experiencing strong migration pressure. The employee potential may not be available for this kind if business. This spatial organization can give priority plans that encourage this type of industry. The locals can be involved in eco-tourism management. This does not mean the underdevelopment of the area but to give different priorities. Aquaculture fish farms are present in the south and can be further encouraged. The plan described in this paper can be considered as territory rehabilitation and protection plan. It considers not only physical rehabilitation of the traditional buildings but also protection of natural reserves by division of priority development areas. A sustainable spatial configuration can anticipate future As a starting point, planning can be used for a sustainable spatial structuring, developments. according to the framework for sustainable development, keeping the balance Cultural heritage and traditional villages can be considered as open air on the relationship that structure spatial and land use elements. museums and can have a meaning to social life. . By realizing this cultural While a space demand for tourism habitation, agricultural, residential, and heritage location will not only be visible but also functional. Another point is that commercial and other land use functions exists, the problem of interference and recently everyplace has the tendency to turn in a tourist location or in something mix of carrying functions is evident in the area. The residential areas are spread valued for tourism industry, so the competition is high. Development of along the coast and the business activities like tourist services are interfering in the green and natural zones. Explaining the actual zoning division of the region, traditional tourism in a sustainable way will helps to keep the balance of the it is noticed the presence of high dynamic functions like tourist services (hotels area. and restaurants) very near sea and the natural areas, and water systems, At this moment cultural heritage (tangible and intangible) is not considered as a polluting in this way natural resources, and water systems in general. The factor that will help integration. Heritage protection has not the considerable tendency to occupy ecologic potential sites for mass and high density tourism attention form inhabitants and authorities and other actors that influence it. development, can lead to destruction of natural resources, area occupation, Without taking into consideration the natural continuity of tradition the future can water pollution, in short period of time for a short term economic profit not be sustainable.