Earth Hour 2026

The ROOF Association undertook a series of activities in Tirana on the occasion of Earth Hour 2026. Students from the high schools Sami Frashëri, Ismail Qemali, Besnik Sykja, along with many students from the University of Tirana, were protagonists in the educational and informational activities leading up to and at the main events of “Earth Hour Tirana 2026”.

The high schools received the status of “Earth Hour Ambassador” school. Many of the students also contributed as Earth Hour Volunteers, and were provided with the relevant official certificates.

Some of these beautiful activities were also honored by the participation of the Chairman of the Tirana District Council, Mr. Aldrin Dalipi, also in his capacity as Chairman of the Adriatic-Ionian Euroregion.

All these activities were carried out within the framework of the EARTHYOUTH project of the GearUP program, which is implemented by the ROOF Association with the financial support of the European Union

Project Laertes

LAERTES (Lower Adriatic Euro-Region for Transport Evolution and Sustainability) will design strategies and solutions aimed to improve regional connectivity, enhancing the shared sense of identity and cooperation across borders. The Lower Adriatic region requires stronger transport connectivity to facilitate the movement of people, goods and services across borders. This includes developing more efficient road, rail, maritime, and air transport systems to link various regional centers and peripheral areas.

LAERTES will design a multifaceted and intermodal cross-border mobility strategy for the Lower Adriatic region, relying on the constitution of an innovative and strategic “legal” entity and the implementation of 3 Pilot Actions enhancing regional connectivity. LAERTES will propose solutions for the integration of the region’s transport networks through a multimodal approach, improving the efficiency of cross-border movement. Their implementation is expected to mark a decisive stride forwards the promotion of an innovative integrated transport system in the Lower Adriatic region and support the growth of trade, tourism, and investment in all participating countries.

More Details

CheeseCult Project

The first training session for the CheeseCult Project was held at the “Eqrem Çabej” University of Gjirokastër, within the framework of the Interreg IPA II CBC Greece–Albania 2014–2020 Programme, co-financed by the European Union and the National Funds of Greece and Albania.

The training gathered representatives from public institutions, local businesses, civil society organizations, as well as academic and administrative staff from the University of Gjirokastër.

Focus

The CheeseCult Project focuses on strengthening the connection between the agro-food sector and tourism, using local cheese products and culinary traditions as tools to enhance local economies and attract visitors to the regions of Gjirokastër (Albania) and Ioannina (Greece).

Goal

The project introduces the concept of the “Cheese Route” — an initiative inviting cheese and dairy producers from both sides of the border to collaborate. This cross-border route aims to improve the visibility and competitiveness of cheese producers and traders, while celebrating existing product quality as part of a shared local and traditional culture.

SMARTiMONY Project - Supporting Artisans and Cultural Heritage in Gjirokastër

Within the framework of the SMARTiMONY Project, financially supported by the European Union through the Interreg IPA II Cross-border Cooperation Programme “Greece–Albania 2014–2020”, the Institution of the Prefect of Gjirokastër Region, in cooperation with the ROOF NGO, organized a two-day training activity for skilled workers in cultural heritage.

The training was led by four experts in tourism and cultural heritage and gathered local craftsmen, including stone and woodworkers, artisans, and professionals active in the Gjirokastër region. The sessions aimed to enhance their skills, promote traditional craftsmanship, and strengthen the connection between heritage preservation and sustainable tourism.

As highlighted in recent reports (source: News Albania, article by Megi Loloci), the SMARTiMONY project plays a vital role in empowering local artisans and reviving traditional crafts that form the cultural identity of Gjirokastër. By fostering cooperation between Greece and Albania, the project supports artisans in developing creative tourism products, ensuring that traditional knowledge and craftsmanship continue to thrive in the modern economy.

Impact & Result

SMARTiMONY contributes to preserving local traditions while helping artisans transform their skills into creative economic opportunities, strengthening the link between craftsmanship, culture, and tourism in the cross-border region.

Stone Art Project

An Infoday was held within the framework of the Stone Art Project, part of the Interreg IPA II CBC Greece–Albania 2014–2020 Programme, co-financed by the European Union and the National Funds of Greece and Albania. The Stone Art Project brings together several cross-border partners: the “Eqrem Çabej” University of Gjirokastër, the Municipality of Konitsa, the University of Ioannina, and the Municipality of Përmet.

The project’s main goal is to preserve and highlight the art and tradition of stone craftsmanship in the regions of Epirus (Greece) and Southern Albania. This traditional art form represents an integral part of the cultural identity of both areas and is being revitalized as a means to promote thematic and cultural tourism. Both regions boast rich natural landscapes and remarkable stone monuments. Combined with their deep-rooted cultural traditions, they hold significant potential to stimulate the growth of alternative tourism.

Main Activities

• Documenting and digitally showcasing significant stone monuments;
• Promoting public interaction through modern media tools;
• Transferring craftsmanship knowledge to younger generations;
• Strengthening cultural cooperation between Albania and Greece.

Target Group

Students, stone masters, tourists, lecturers, researchers, heritage enthusiasts, traditional builders, public administration staff, and tourism-related organizations.