The Butrint National Park will now be managed by a private entity for the first time as so far it was managed by the Ministry of Culture. According to the new law, the ancient city will now be under the control of the Ministry and a 'strategic partner' according to a new document or 'Integrated Management Plan for Butrint National Park. 

The document was drafted by a British law firm called Price and Pearce who were contracted and financially supported by the Albanian American Development Foundation (AADF).

When asked about the nature of the new partnership by VOA, the Ministry said a “foundation” will be established via a cooperation agreement that will be subject to legislation on non-profit organisations. The agreement must be approved by parliament.

The AADF has been involved in projects in Butrint for around 10 years. When asked by VOA if they wanted to be a strategic partner in the project, they said they may be interested.

The news has caused concern from well-known members of the Albanian cultural heritage community. They are worried that the management of the site will be under the control of a non-state foundation. 

Agron Alibali a researcher, said that the management of Butrint, a UNESCO asset through this sort of foundation, is a violation of the Paris Convention. The convention states clearly that the state should be solely responsible for the administration of cultural and natural assets.

Neritan Ceka, an archaeologist said that there were no archaeologists involved in the plan.