Wetland at risk: let’s not sacrifice the Vjosa-Narta in Albania for the sake of luxury tourism
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Advocacy
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Press Release
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Biodiversity - Flyways
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Press Release
An irreplaceable Albanian wetland is at risk. The Vjosa–Narta Lagoon, a unique Mediterranean wetland home to more than 200 migratory bird species – including flamingos, Mediterranean monk seals and nesting sea turtles, is being bulldozed to build a US$1.6 billion luxury tourism project. This project will include up to 10,000 hotel rooms and villas aiming for tourism development, job creation and investment. All of it at the expense of environmental protection, the survival of protected species and European environmental standards.
This recent announcement and start of work on the project sparked unprecedent opposition in Albania. For more than a week, thousands of citizens and environmental groups have taken the streets across the country to protest against the construction of this resort, in a movement dubbed the “flamingo revolution” by international media and civil society.
Local environmental organisations reached out directly to us as despite strong public opposition, Albanian authorities keep supporting the project. More than that, the work seems to have already started on the Vjosa–Narta lagoon. Local environmental groups have reported to us heavy machinery operating in the area and the installation of wire fences that restrict public access to parts of the sandbar and coastal zone. These activities have caused significant concern among local residents, environmental activists, and members of the public who value this internationally important wetland.
Chris Baker, Wetlands International Europe’s director said: “The Vjosa–Narta Lagoon is a uniquely intact and very special Mediterranean wetland, sheltering over 200 bird species and more than 70 endangered species. Building luxury resorts inside this protected ecosystem – despite strong protest of local citizens and environmental groups – raises serious doubts about Albania’s readiness to join the EU, and openly defies international conservation agreements the country has pledged to uphold, such as the Bern Convention, the African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
We call upon the Albanian government to respect the will of its people and their international commitments and halt the development of the Vjosa-Narta Lagoon.”
Narta Lagoon is internationally recognised for its biodiversity and importance for migratory birds and wetland habitats, and Albanian conservation organisations had previously expressed concerns regarding developments in this protected landscape.
Although Albania has been engaged in formal negotiations for EU accession since 2022, this luxury resort project – which contravenes EU environmental legislation – appears to shed doubts on whether Albania’s environmental decision-making processes comply with EU standards.