Protests have erupted on a small island in Albania, part of a wildlife-rich nature reserve that hosts hundreds of internationally threatened species. The demonstrations come amid plans for a luxury resort backed by Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, which could transform the area.
Background of the Conflict
The proposed development aims to build a hotel complex on Sazan Island and adjacent wetlands, sparking outrage among environmentalists and locals. No public consultation has been held, but preparatory work has already begun, with fences and heavy machinery appearing in the sensitive ecosystem.
Albania, one of Europe's poorest countries, has seen nearly two weeks of fierce protests. The unrest is fueled by anger over government corruption and global scrutiny of the Trump family's business dealings. However, at its core, the conflict highlights the tension between environmental protection and short-term economic growth.
Ecological Significance
The Vjosa-Narta delta is a critical habitat for wildlife, including Eurasian otters, loggerhead sea turtles, and flamingos. It hosts about 12% of Albania's wintering waterbirds and was declared Europe's first wild river national park in 2023. Unpublished data reveals that 279 of the 2,529 species in the delta are internationally threatened.
Aleksandër Trajçe, executive director of PPNEA, Albania's largest conservation group, emphasized the area's importance: "If you want to see the Mediterranean as it used to be, this is one of the last spots." Aleko Miho, a biologist at the University of Tirana, warned that development would disturb the ecosystem: "The birds will fly away, for sure."
Government and Developer Actions
The Albanian government has welcomed the project but insists the current works are only for technical surveys. However, conservationists report ongoing destruction of dunes and construction of new roads. The government redrew protected area borders in 2022 to allow a nearby airport and loosened conservation laws in 2024 for five-star hotels.
The European Commission has urged Albania to comply with environmental rules, and 96 civil society organizations have demanded the repeal of the 2024 law amendment. Prime Minister Edi Rama's office defended the fencing as a lawful right and denied reducing the protected area for the airport.
Affinity Partners, Kushner's firm, stated it is not involved, and investors are acting personally. Sazan Real Estate Development LLC, the developer, said it respects public processes. Arup, a consulting firm, completed its initial masterplanning last year and is no longer involved.
The area, while not entirely unspoiled, is relatively untouched compared to other Mediterranean sites. Scientists fear that planes, cars, and construction from a large resort would drive away wildlife, undermining the region's ecological value.
