On 4th August the scientific symposium was organised in the scope of the project Augmenting Cooperation – From Christian Antiquities Towards Enhanced Tourism. The symposium was held in Berane and brought together experts from archaeology, history and other related fields.

Violeta Folic from the Museum of Polimlje Montenegro informed the participants that the Museum of Polimlje located in Berane is the only institution in the north of Montenegro that has a certificate for archaeological excavations.

She stated that during the project, in addition to professional connections and improving cooperation, they also developed friendly relations, which they consider particularly important for the success of the project. “This guarantees the continuation of cooperation in the following period, when the opportunity for the team arises again” she said.

On behalf of the Diocese of Budimlje and Nikšić, Archdeacon Konstantin Dojic spoke about the importance of the project and informed the participants that through this project, two sites, one in Berane and one in Shkodra, have been excavated, preserved, protected, promoted and equipped with signalization and that the facilities will be integrated into the local tourist offer.

Holta Koci, from the Albania Community Assist said that it is very important to adequately present the cultural heritage, especially to youth. Apart from the fact that the project connected experts in this field, it enabled also the citizens to be better informed. She concluded that it is necessary to work on the promotion of these sites.

The participants of the symposium concluded that after almost two millennia of Christianity in the cross-border area, the archaeological heritage represents a significant tourist resource and the common cultural heritage of the two countries needs to be nurtured, promoted and used.