European Union, Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports, and UNDP visit the historical village of Janjevë/o

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