The EU Ambassador in Kosovo, Tomas Szunyog, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Hajrulla Çeku, UNDP Resident Representative, Maria Suokko, accompanied by Counsellor, Deputy Head of Mission at the Croatian Embassy in Kosovo, Nedjelko Špilek, Mayor of Lipjan/Lipljan, Imri Ahmeti, and other distinguished guests and project partners visited the historic centre of Janjevë/Janjevo to observe the ongoing restoration works on nine houses, learn about plans for the final use of 14 houses, and meet participants of tour guide training.
Interventions are being done through the “Cultural Heritage as a Driver for Economic Revival of Janjevё/Janjevo” project, financed by the European Union (EU) and the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports (MCYS) and implemented by the United Nations Development Pogramme (UNDP) in Kosovo.
“I am proud to witness the remarkable restoration efforts in Janjevë/o. This project, funded by the EU and our partners, is not just about preserving cultural heritage but also about creating opportunities for the local community. Together, we are reviving the historic centre and ensuring a brighter future for Janjevë/o,” said Tomas Szunyog, the EU Ambassador in Kosovo.
Hajrulla Çeku emphasised: “This programme goes beyond the protection of our cultural heritage. Through the restoration and re-functionalisation of 14 traditional houses, enhancement of public infrastructure, improvement of local human capacities for tourism and developing management tools, the Historic centre of Janjevë will be transformed into an attractive destination for visitors, and thus develop tourism and support our local economy. Governemnt of Kosovo remains committed to enhance this partnership and work intensively for protection of cultural heritage, which will promote inter-cultural harmony as universal values of our society and drive local and economic development.”
“Through this project, we are working together with a range of partners in an effort to bring new life and energy into this historical village. The collaboration between the European Union, the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports, and UNDP in Kosovo demonstrates our shared commitment to the promotion of cultural heritage as a driver for sustainable development. Together, we are providing opportunities for a brighter future for all communities involved”, said Maria Suokko on this occasion.
The restoration of the houses will contribute to reviving the history and memories of Croat families who once lived there, encouraging the return and preserving Janjevë/Janjevo’s rich cultural heritage. The project will benefit all communities by creating opportunities for socio-economic revival and promoting local tourism. In addition, important initiatives are underway, such as the creation of a platform to map cultural and natural heritage assets for rural tourism, training for tour guides, and support to women and youth through skills development programmes contributing to their economic empowerment.
Note on the project:
Cultural Heritage as a Driver for Economic Revival of Janjevё/Janjevo” project, financed by the European Union (EU) and the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports (MCYS) aims to preserve, protect, and revive the shared tangible heritage while promoting awareness and ensuring its protection as well as expand socio-economic opportunities for its inhabitants.
For more information, please contact:
Burbuqe Dobranja, UNDP Communications Associate
Phone: (038) 249 066 ext. 410; mobile: 049 720 800 e-mail: burbuqe.dobranja@undp.org
Danijela Mitić, Communication Associate UNDP
Phone: (038) 249 066 ext. 412; mobile: 049 720 824 e-mail: danijela.mitic@undp.org
Enisa Rashlanin Kasemi, Information and Communication Officer, EU Office in Kosovo
email: Enisa.RASHLANIN-KASEMI@eeas.europa.eu
Zana Fetiu, PR officer, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports
Email: Zana.Fetiu@rks-gov.net
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