Work carried out in Albania's Vjosa-Narta ecosystem has sparked a major controversy, drawing sharp criticism from environmental circles. The article argues that bulldozers are operating in the protected area, dunes are being excavated, and the natural environment is being irreversibly damaged.
The text notes that this area is one of the last free-flowing river deltas in the Mediterranean, hosting over 200 bird species, baby loggerhead turtles, and the Mediterranean monk seal. It also mentions that the construction is linked to an airport reportedly built in the middle of marshlands.
Heavy machinery spotted in the protected area
The article describes a visit on May 7 from Tirana to the Vjosa delta region, where the delegation initially expected to inspect the airport but instead encountered a large construction site in the heart of the protected area. Bulldozers were digging the shore, trucks were dumping gravel, and roads were being cut through old dunes and pine forests.
According to the text, there were no permits, company names, or environmental approval signs visible on site. This image raises further questions about the legitimacy of the activities being carried out in the region.
Objections and warnings began the same week
The author writes that on the following day, May 8, a letter was sent to the prime minister and environment minister warning of serious and partly irreversible damage. The European Commission, EU delegations in Tirana, and the press were also informed.
The article reports that PPNEA, described as the country's oldest environmental organization, escalated the process with protests on site. Demonstrations took place on May 15 in the field, on May 26 in front of the Ministry of Environment, and again on May 30 in the area.
Fences, security, and images spreading on social media
During the third protest, the area was reportedly surrounded by barbed wire, security personnel treated protesters harshly, and footage circulated online showing a man being dragged away. The article notes that these images gave the issue an international dimension.
The construction's association with a large real estate plan linked to U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and daughter Ivanka Trump has further escalated the controversy. The text suggests this is a test not only for the birds but also for public interest and governance principles.
Corruption investigation and legal process
The article includes information that Albania's Special Prosecution for Corruption and Organized Crime has frozen the assets of the Kushner-backed land company. This move is part of a growing property fraud investigation surrounding the $4 billion resort plan.
The text emphasizes that public protests challenge the rule of law and that the process must proceed in accordance with legal procedures. It also notes that following investigations and protests, the Narta lagoon was reconnected to the sea and fences were removed.
Irreparable damage highlighted
The article points out that the flattened dunes, cut trees, and dumped gravel will not recover on their own. Therefore, securing the future of the area and repairing the damage is deemed essential.
At the end, the text defends those gathered on site, stating they are not spreading fake news or acting as foreign agents but are observers including experts and environmentalists from various countries. Responding to the prime minister's criticism of an "asymmetric war by enemies," the article concludes by calling for facing the facts.
