One of the main aims of the ICAA is to provide a focal point for all organisations, internal and international, interested in Albanian archaeology. From early on the ICAA team fostered good relations with the Albanian Institute of Archaeology and Institute of Monuments as well as the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport in order to develop a long term strategy for excavation, conservation and management of the archaeological resource. In line with this overall strategy the ICAA continues to work towards the following aims:

To establish a constellation of major research excavations with the aim of transforming Albania's largely unknown cultural heritage resource and promoting it internationally.

To set up a specialist archaeological research library with particular emphasis on regional archaeology.

To record archaeological sites under immediate threat of destruction and to introduce the concept of rescue archaeology to the archaeological community in Albania.

To maintain and update best practise in Albanian archaeology.

To work with relevant institutions towards a cultural heritage law that reflects the importance of the archaeological heritage resource in Albania.

To act as an interface between foreign missions working in Albania and Albanian institutions, such as the Ministry of Culture, Institute of Archaeology and Institute of Monuments.

To begin a programme of publication of research into archaeology in Albania.

To assist in the development of a modern archaeology curriculum at the Albanian universities and to provide wide ranging practical training programme for Albanian archaeological student.

To provide educational assistance, mentoring and work experience including, study abroad scholarships, with the aim of creating a human resource of young Albania archaeologists skilled in modern techniques of excavation, conservation, heritage management and research.

To implement heritage management strategies including the compilation of an up to date sites and monuments record and the development of a heritage park programme.

To co-ordinate a conservation programme at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gjirokastra. Many of these goals have been achieved and the following pages give detailed accounts of progress towards the over all aim of securing and utilising Albania’s archaeological resource for future generations.