Thousands of protesters have marched in the capital city of Tirana for three consecutive days to oppose a $1.6bn luxury resort project on Albania's protected coast. The development is backed by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of Donald Trump, and Ivanka Trump.
Conservation groups and critics warn that the megaproject is located in one of the Mediterranean's most environmentally sensitive areas, specifically within a national marine park. The site contains 200 species of birds, including Dalmatian pelicans and flamingos. Some demonstrators have used inflatable flamingos to highlight the potential damage to biodiversity and endangered habitats.
Groundwork has already begun, with builders erecting a concrete-based, barbed wire-topped fence around the site. This has sparked public outrage over the environmental impact and a perceived lack of political transparency surrounding the deal. While the prime minister insists the project will bring investment and jobs and has offered to discuss solutions, opponents have rejected the offer and are calling for the project to be blocked.
The coastal development has triggered scrutiny from the European Union as Albania advances toward EU membership. Environmental organizations continue to call for the project's suspension, citing significant threats to the region's biodiversity.