5 Grant Winners in Mallakastër Announced.

Under the EU for Economic Development – Tourism-led, Local Economic Development, with a Focus on Cultural Heritage programme, AICS has officially announced the winners of its latest grant call—five dynamic organizations set strengthen community engagement, and promote sustainable tourism across the Mallakastër area. The grant contracts between AICS and the selected beneficiaries have now been formally signed, marking the official start of implementation for all initiatives.

These initiatives will directly benefit the local community living in and around the Bylis–Klos Archaeological Park, creating new income opportunities for small businesses, empowering women and youth, and supporting local producers, artisans, and service providers. At the heart of these projects are the women and young people of Mallakastër, whose skills, perspectives, and creativity play a central role in shaping the region’s heritage-driven development.

The selected initiatives are:

  1. Routes4Culture Mallakastër: Empowering Women & Youth through Heritage and Eco-tourism – Implemented by AULEDA – Local Economic Development Agency
  2. Bylis Empowerment for the Advancement of Mallakastër (BEAM) – Implemented by Qendra Epoka e Re
  3. Mallakastër Olive Oil Experience – Implemented by Youth Act Center (YAC)
  4. From Ancient Stones to Local Flavors: Bylis Experience – Implemented by the Albanian Association of Marketing (AAM)
  5. Open Door Klos: Community-led Sustainable Tourism in Mallakastër – Implemented by the Architecture Fund in Albania (AFA)

Together, these initiatives mark a meaningful step forward for Mallakastër—turning heritage into opportunity, strengthening local identity, and building a more resilient, community-driven future for the region. With culture as the foundation, and with women and youth of the Mallakastër region as the main beneficiaries of every initiative, the area is set to grow as a model of how heritage-led development can empower communities, preserve tradition, and generate long-term social and economic opportunities for future generations.