Tirana, Albania. Thousands of Albanians protested in Tirana on Thursday against plans for a luxury resort near the Vjosa-Narta protected area in southern Albania. The project involves Jared Kushner’s investment firm, Affinity Partners, and has drawn opposition from environmentalists and local residents.
Project and location
The €1.4 billion ($1.6 billion) project is planned for an undeveloped stretch of coastline near the Vjosa-Narta protected area, a wetland that is home to flamingos, seals and sea turtle nesting sites.
Affinity Partners, the investment firm linked to President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, is involved in the development.
Environmental concerns
Environmentalists say the project would affect several hundred hectares of pristine beaches and thousands of flamingos that nest and pass through nearby areas each year.
Ornithologist Ledi Selgjekaj said more than 1% of the global flamingo population is in Albania.
“Of course, it’s very important to have investments in the country. It’s very important for the economy, but you have to choose very wisely where to build it. There is a reason why this area is called a protected area,” she told Reuters.
Protests in Tirana and at the site
Groundwork and the arrival of heavy machinery at the site triggered local protests last week, followed by large demonstrations in Tirana.
Protesters gathered outside the office of Prime Minister Edi Rama, holding pink inflatable flamingos and chanting “revolution” and “stop the project.” One placard read: “Edi Rama, resign.”
Some local residents went to the area on Friday to check the situation as police patrolled the site. On Friday, there was no sign of the builders or heavy machinery that had been preparing the ground in recent days.
Statements from opponents and supporters
“Albania is not for sale. Albania belongs to the Albanian people and we decide what we want to do here. It’s not that some corrupt politicians who run Albania can decide what they can do with our property, with the Albanian heritage, the natural heritage, a cultural heritage,” said writer Lindita Komani, who joined the protests.
Rama has defended the project. Developers have said their focus will be “responsible stewardship and environmental enhancement.”