Protests have intensified in Albania against a proposed luxury resort backed by Jared Kushner, set to be built in the Vjosa-Narta lagoon, a protected nature reserve. Activists and local residents are concerned about the potential destruction of this biodiversity hotspot, which is home to various migratory birds, including flamingos. The project, estimated to cost around four billion euros, has sparked fears of environmental degradation and a lack of transparency in the approval process.
Demonstrators have gathered daily, voicing their opposition to what they see as a threat to the region’s ecological integrity. Prime Minister Edi Rama has attempted to downplay the protests, asserting that the project is still under review and that top experts will oversee its development. However, many locals remain sceptical, citing previous incidents of construction work that raised alarm about the project’s impact on the environment.
The protests reflect broader concerns about the prioritisation of luxury tourism over environmental conservation in Albania. Activists argue that the proposed resort could set a dangerous precedent for future developments in sensitive areas, potentially leading to irreversible damage to the local ecosystem.
As the situation unfolds, the outcome of these protests may influence not only the fate of the Vjosa-Narta lagoon but also the future of environmental policy in Albania. The growing movement against the resort highlights a critical intersection of environmental activism and economic interests in the region.
Source: France 24
