Trump family resort sparks Albania nature protest

A proposed luxury resort, reportedly backed by members of the US President's family, is facing significant opposition in Albania. The development is slated for a wildlife-rich nature reserve within the Vjosa River delta, a region recently declared Europe's first wild river national park. The project has triggered nearly two weeks of intense protests amidst concerns over government corruption and the environmental impact.

Conservation groups highlight that the Vjosa-Narta protected area is crucial for migratory birds, Eurasian otters, loggerhead sea turtles, and other threatened species. Despite the absence of a formal planning permission or environmental impact assessment, preparatory work, including fencing and heavy machinery, has commenced. Officials claim these are for technical surveys, but activists report ongoing destruction of dunes and the creation of new roads.

Albania, a nation striving for EU membership by 2030, is under pressure to align its environmental laws with EU standards. Critics argue that recent legislative changes have weakened protections, allowing for hotel construction even within protected zones. The government maintains that development and environmental protection can coexist, emphasizing the need for balance, while investors and developers assert a commitment to responsible stewardship and community value.