Thousands of Albanians have taken to the streets to protest a luxury resort development on Sazan Island, dubbed ‘Kushner Island’ due to its backing by Jared Kushner. The project, valued at €1.4 billion, aims to transform the island into a high-end tourist destination, raising concerns about its impact on local ecosystems and biodiversity.
Protesters argue that the development threatens one of the Mediterranean’s vital biodiversity hotspots, particularly around the Vjosa-Narta lagoon. The movement has adopted the pink flamingo as its symbol, representing both environmental protection and opposition to unsustainable tourism practices.
Supporters of the project, including the Albanian government, claim it will create jobs and boost the economy. However, critics highlight a lack of transparency and the potential for irreversible damage to the island’s natural heritage, which has a complex military history.
As protests continue, the situation reflects broader tensions between economic development and environmental conservation in Albania, with many citizens questioning the prioritisation of luxury tourism over public access and ecological preservation.
Source: Euronews
