Protests in Albania against the planned tourism project in the protected area of Zvërnec and on the island of Sazan have drawn the attention of BBC Global Woman. The outlet described the demonstrations as one of the largest civic movements of recent months.
The movement, dubbed the “Flamingo Revolution”, began in opposition to plans to build a luxury resort near a protected ecosystem that serves as a habitat for flamingos, seals and sea turtles. BBC reports that, since late May, thousands of citizens have protested on the streets of Tirana, demanding that the project be cancelled.
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The article also highlights the public stance of internationally renowned Albanian singer Dua Lipa. In an episode of her podcast with writer and academic Lea Ypi, published on July 14, the artist described the civic mobilisation as inspiring.
“I find it very inspiring to see how much people care, you know, day after day they are taking to the streets,” Dua Lipa said during the conversation.
The report also includes the testimony of Asllan Llani Dogjani, a 23-year-old student, who compared the value of Zvërnec to Albania with the importance of the Grand Canyon to the United States.
“If I were in the United States and they were building a five-star resort in the Grand Canyon, I would be very upset because it is a national treasure. That is what Zvërnec is here for Albania,” he told Reuters.
According to the BBC, the tourism project, valued at around €1.4 billion, is linked to the company of Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, and Ivanka Trump. Asher Abehsera, Kushner’s business partner, told the BBC that the investment aims to manage the area responsibly, improve the environment and create new jobs for the local community.
Prime Minister Edi Rama, meanwhile, has defended the project and said there is “no chance” that it will be stopped during his term in office. The BBC also said it had approached the Trump Organization for comment but had received no response.
