Keywords Sustainable gastronomy, Albania, food law, intellectual property, agrotourism, intangible cultural heritage, cultural heritage law, EU acquis, UNESCO Convention 2003, territorial identity. I. INTRODUCTION Gastronomy is not merely the practice of food preparation or a commercial enterprise. It is an interdisciplinary field, located at the intersection of agriculture, cultural identity, tourism, and intellectual property. In the Albanian context, this convergence takes on particular significance. Albania possesses an exceptionally rich biodiversity, deeply rooted culinary traditions, and a strategic location within the Mediterranean region.2 These characteristics make it uniquely positioned to benefit from the emerging global interest in gastronomy as a tool for sustainable development. In recent years, gastronomy has been increasingly understood not only as an economic opportunity, but also as an object of cultural safeguarding, particularly within frameworks of intangible heritage.3 However, this potential remains underdeveloped. Many traditional Albanian agricultural and food products are not adequately valorised or protected, either economically or legally. The absence of an integrated policy framework and limited coordination among responsible institutions create further obstacles. This leads to a paradox: while rapid commercialisation may offer new opportunities, it can simultaneously endanger the very authenticity and cultural value that underpin gastronomic identity. Without protective legal instruments and targeted policies, traditions risk erosion rather than revitalisation. This article aims to examine the role of gastronomy as a nexus between cultural protection and economic development in Albania. In particular, it explores the legal and regulatory policy connected to food systems, traditional practices, and their valorisation through intellectual property and heritage protection mechanisms. It argues that sustainable gastronomy requires a deliberate legal architecture—one that integrates agriculture, culture, and tourism—so that Albania can develop as a gastronomic destination without compromising its cultural identity. 2 The strategy for agriculture, rural development and fisheries, 2021–2027, approved by the Decision of Council of Ministers no. 460, dated 29.6.2022 “On the approval of the strategy for agriculture, rural development and fisheries, 2021–2027”, p.35. OG 100/2022. 3 UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, ‘What is Intangible Cultural Heritage?’ <https://ich.unesco.org/en/ what-is-intangible-heritage-00003> accessed 22 August 2025. 468 NADA DOLLANI
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTE4NzM5Nw==