Assessment analysis of seismological risk and geohazard vulnerability of first level in major cultural heritage sites of Albania

This activity was done by the launching of a microzonation assessment of level 1 at the World Heritage properties of Gjirokastra, Berat, Saranda-Butrint and the Apollonia archaeological park. An interdisciplinary Italian/Albanian work team composed of engineers, geologists and archeologists led by CNR (Centro Nazionale Ricerche) - IGAG (Istituto di Geologia Ambientale e Geoingegneria) started a specific geological and geophysical field survey based on micro-zonation in late November 2011. This produced a comprehensive assessment report and related maps of Seismological Risk and Geo-hazard Vulnerability based on the first level of investigation, in the above-mentioned selected sites which is duly reported in PART II of the volume, chapter by chapter from 1 to 7 with the inclusion of a dedicated part (chapter 8) on the methodology adopted for the geophysical investigation. The policy impact on risk may prove highly relevant as reliable scientific data should provide crucial support to the decision makers on geo-risk management in UNESCO designated sites. The produced data is, in fact, considered very sensitive among designated sites managers to adequately tailor actions according to the magnitude and nature of the risk(s) at stake. It represents a tool for site managers and planners in Albania, bringing out evidence-based findings and providing useful information for: - Establishing guidelines and criteria of interventions in urban areas and cultural sites. - defining priorities for interventions. Finally, the work was framed into an interactive relationship with site managers and integrated into the activities of capacity building performed in the field of DRM under the same project (see point 1 above), in order to develop appropriate risk management systems, including management guidelines and action plans for the cultural sites, along with particular provisions to improve ordinary maintenance, retrofitting of existing infrastructures or monuments, enlarge buffer areas, etc. (prevention/mitigation- emergency preparedness Phase). It is hoped that, despite heavy budget cuts which have impaired the continuation of these project activities in Albania, this project has offered a valuable technical support both to site managers and to emergency responders, meeting the growth of demand for Disaster Risk Reduction in South East Europe. It is foremost hoped to have successfully delivered a message that DRR in Cultural heritage sites is not for human or natural sciences, for technological applications and investigations, for emergency responders or site managers, for ministries and departments as individual actors but for all of them in an inclusive and integrated way since their bond improves risk resilience.