TIRANA: Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Albania’s capital, Tirana, on Thursday to oppose a proposed €1.4 billion luxury resort project linked to investor Jared Kushner, arguing that the development threatens one of the country’s most environmentally sensitive coastal regions.
The project, spearheaded by Kushner’s investment firm Affinity Partners, is planned for an island and an undeveloped stretch of Albania’s Adriatic coastline near the protected Vjosa-Narta Lagoon, a biodiversity-rich wetland known for its flamingos, seals, and sea turtle nesting sites.
Environmental Concerns Spark Public Outcry
Environmental organizations have strongly criticized the development, warning that construction could damage hundreds of hectares of pristine coastline and disrupt fragile ecosystems that support thousands of migratory birds and other wildlife species.
The Vjosa-Narta wetland is regarded as one of Albania’s most valuable natural habitats and plays a vital role in regional biodiversity conservation.
Public opposition intensified after reports emerged that heavy machinery had arrived at the site to begin preliminary groundwork.
“Albania Is Not for Sale”
Protesters gathered outside the office of Prime Minister Edi Rama carrying banners, placards, and pink inflatable flamingos, a symbol of the threatened wetland ecosystem.
Demonstrators accused the government of prioritizing foreign investment over environmental protection and national heritage.
Writer and activist Lindita Komani, who participated in the protest, said Albania’s natural resources should remain under the protection of its people.
“Albania is not for sale. Albania belongs to the Albanian people, and we should decide what happens to our natural and cultural heritage,” she said.
Crowds repeatedly chanted slogans demanding the project be halted and called on authorities to reconsider the development plans.
Government Defends the Project
Prime Minister Edi Rama has defended the proposed investment, describing it as an opportunity to boost tourism, create jobs, and attract international capital to Albania.
Project developers have also insisted that environmental protection remains a priority and have pledged to pursue responsible and sustainable development practices.
Meanwhile, Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj stated that environmental impact assessments are currently being prepared and that the project must fully comply with both Albanian and European environmental regulations.
She emphasized that existing legal safeguards are designed to protect the lagoon and surrounding habitats from potential environmental harm.
Kushner’s Balkan Investments Under Scrutiny
The Albanian resort forms part of a broader investment strategy announced by Jared Kushner in the Balkans in 2024.
The investment portfolio also included plans for a redevelopment project in Belgrade, Serbia, which faced significant public resistance and political controversy.
Reports indicate that Kushner later withdrew from aspects of the Serbian project following sustained public opposition.
Development vs Conservation Debate
The controversy has reignited a broader national debate about balancing economic growth with environmental conservation.
Supporters of the resort argue that luxury tourism developments can generate employment opportunities, increase foreign investment, and strengthen Albania’s tourism industry.
Critics, however, warn that large-scale construction near protected ecosystems could cause irreversible environmental damage and undermine the country’s natural heritage.
As protests continue and environmental assessments move forward, the future of the project remains uncertain, with the debate expected to remain a major political and environmental issue in Albania in the coming months.
