Bulldozers Enter Protected Albanian Lagoon, Sparking Protests Linked to Kushner Project

Bulldozers, barbed wire, and private security have disrupted the protected Narta Lagoon in southern Albania, sparking mass protests just days after the country received positive signals from the EU regarding its accession talks. The controversial project on the Zvernec peninsula is reportedly linked to Jared Kushner, former U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law.

What began as a dispute over construction in a protected zone has escalated into a broader debate about development, environmental protection, and Albania's future within the European Union. Investors claim the project could exceed four billion euros and create over 10,000 jobs, with Prime Minister Edi Rama describing it as a strategic investment poised to elevate Albania into a top global tourist destination. However, the Poro-Narta area is a vital coastal ecosystem, serving as a habitat for hundreds of species and a crucial stopover for migratory birds.

Activists who entered the construction site on May 30th encountered heavy machinery, fences, and private security personnel who forcibly removed them. Images of the confrontation ignited public outrage, leading to thousands participating in solidarity protests in Tirana under the slogan "Albania is not for sale," demanding the project's suspension. Environmental organizations are calling for full transparency regarding the project's documentation, arguing that key decisions lack sufficient public explanation.

Besjan Shehu, an ecologist and co-founder of the Albanian Ornithological Society, has worked for over a decade to protect the region's wetlands and forests. He views the recent events as a critical juncture, stating, "This is not just a local dispute over a fence, a road, or a construction site, but also a question of the decision-making process and the lack of transparency." He emphasized the ecological integrity of over 18,000 hectares of one of Albania's most important natural corridors. While Prime Minister Rama condemned the actions of the private security as "disgusting," he has signaled no intention to abandon the project.

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This is not just a local dispute over a fence, a road, or a construction site, but also a question of the decision-making process and the lack of transparency.