Thousands protest a luxury resort plan by a company linked to Jared Kushner near a protected wetland in Albania.
Key facts
- •A company linked to Jared Kushner plans to build a €1.4 billion luxury resort near a protected wetland in Albania.
- •The project would affect several hundred hectares of pristine beaches and thousands of flamingos.
- •More than 1% of the global population of flamingos is in Albania, according to ornithologist Ledi Selgjekaj.
- •Protesters gathered outside the office of Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama to oppose the project.
- •Albania's Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said environmental impact assessments are being drafted for the proposed investment.
- •The project must comply fully with environmental legislation and safeguard the local habitat.
Thousands of Albanians protested in Tirana against a plan by a company linked to Jared Kushner to build a luxury resort in an environmentally sensitive area. The €1.4 billion project is located near the Vjosa-Narta protected area, a wetland home to flamingos, seals, and sea turtles.
Environmental Concerns
Environmentalists oppose the project, which they say 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 population of flamingos is in Albania.
Protests and Government Response
Protesters gathered outside the office of Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama, holding pink inflatable flamingos and chanting 'revolution' and 'stop the project'. Mr. Rama has defended the project, while Albania's Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said environmental impact assessments are being drafted for the proposed investment.
This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by The Hindu.
