This document outlines the project for the Knowledge Farm and Olive Grove Agritourism, located in Divjakë, Albania. This initiative is promoted by the Albanian Development Fund (FSHZH) in collaboration with the Municipality of Divjakë and is funded by the Albanian Government under the 2024-2030 Operational Program.

The objective is to establish a multifunctional center that integrates agriculture, tourism, and education to foster local development, reduce unemployment, and create a sustainable economy focused on innovation and the enhancement of natural resources.

This intervention is part of the program “Building the Infrastructure of Integrated Models in Areas with Development Potential: Knowledge Farm and Olive Grove Agritourism, Divjakë”, approved by decision no. 259 of 27.03.2024 by the FSHZH Board of Directors. The project aligns with a broader national strategic plan aimed at strengthening territorial cohesion and promoting socio-economic development under the “Albania 2030” vision.

The ADF (Albanian Development Fund) Operational Program is the primary tool for planning territorial interventions, defining five strategic priorities for the 2024-2030 period: sustainable territorial transformation, infrastructure enhancement for agriculture and tourism, cultural and natural heritage valorization, innovative service development, and the promotion of qualified employment.

The project site spans 40 hectares on the eastern side of Divjakë’s urban center, extending in a north-south direction.

The Knowledge Farm and Olive Grove Agritourism is designed as an integrated ecosystem that blends nature, tradition, and innovation with the goal of revitalizing the Divjakë area and creating a pilot model for the entire country. Spanning 40 hectares and located adjacent to the Divjakë-Karavasta National Park, the project serves as a convergence point for agricultural research, experiential tourism, and sustainable development.

This initiative is the result of a collaboration between MAU Architecture, F&M Ingegneria, and KKG Project, an international team of architects and engineers who bring their expertise together to shape a sustainable future for Albania and its rural landscape.

The project creates a balance between past and future, proposing a development model that reconnects people with their traditions and the authenticity of the land. This connection with nature is at the core of an immersive experience, structured around different functional areas:

• Agricultural Research and Innovation Center: A hub for experimenting with new olive cultivation techniques and environmental sustainability, integrating traditional knowledge with innovative technologies to enhance agricultural productivity and promote sustainable practices.

• Organic Agricultural Estate: A production system that respects biodiversity, reduces the use of chemicals, and integrates animals into the natural agricultural cycle.

• Processing and Tasting Center: A space where visitors can learn about the transformation of raw materials into finished products, experience tastings, and purchase high-quality local goods.

• Glamping and Agritourism Hospitality Systems: Eco-friendly accommodations set within the olive grove, offering an experiential tourism approach that highlights nature and local traditions. A farm-to-table restaurant will serve dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, reinforcing the connection between gastronomy and the territory.

One of the project’s most strategic aspects is its connection with Divjakë-Karavasta National Park, one of Albania’s most valuable natural areas. The integration of the Knowledge Farm and the Park will create a territorial infrastructure that merges environmental conservation with sustainable tourism.

The park, home to unique biodiversity and protected species such as the Dalmatian pelican, will become a key educational and tourism asset, further enhancing the region’s attractiveness. This synergy will position Divjakë as a model for integrated management between economic development and environmental protection. In an era where progress often leads to the loss of cultural roots, this initiative demonstrates that it is possible to build a more authentic, respectful, and prosperous future for local communities and for Albania as a whole.