16 October. The fourth regional course on archaeological conservation for Southeast Europe which is being held at the Butrint National Park in Albania is now in its third week.

The course structure combines lectures on methodological issues using examples from various sites worldwide, and practical activities at the Butrint archaeological site which include case-studies on a Roman mosaic, areas within the Roman forum, and a Venetian merchant's house located at the edge of the city.

The second week was specifically devoted to condition assessment of deteriorated structures and decorated architectural surfaces.

The participants produced an initial condition assessment, which is now being used to develop and formulate conservation proposals. The proposals will focus both on short-term interventions that will be carried out during the last part of the course, as well as recommendations for a long-term conservation plan to be included in the Park's current preservation strategy.

A trip to the World Heritage city of Gjirokastra was organized during the weekend. This visit provided an overall view of the conservation issues and management requirements of these unique sites.

Member States represented: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Georgia and Serbia

updated on: 21 December, 2007