UNOPS and EU4Culture: Post-Earthquake Recovery and Cultural Heritage in Albania

During March, the International Study Day on “Post-Earthquake Management: From Emergency Response to Future Preparedness” took place in Bologna, Italy. 

At the event, Pamela Lama, Senior Programme Manager, presented the EU4Culture programme, highlighting its role in supporting Albania’s recovery and long-term resilience following the 2019 earthquake. Funded by the European Union and implemented by UNOPS in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports, EU4Culture combines cultural heritage conservation with community engagement and local development. 

Since its launch, the programme has restored and revitalized 23 cultural heritage sites, supported 33 local cultural initiatives through its grant scheme, and strengthened local capacities for sustainable heritage management. The programme demonstrates how post-earthquake recovery can go beyond reconstruction, using cultural heritage as a tool to support communities, local development, and cultural renewal.