Environmental groups warn Trump-linked Albania resort is harming protected coastline

Environmental groups and scientists have warned that early work on a luxury resort linked to the Trump family has already caused lasting damage to one of Albania’s most environmentally sensitive coastal areas. They say construction activity has affected wildlife habitats and fragile ecosystems even before the main development has begun.

According to satellite images reviewed by AFP, major changes took place over a period of 25 days in May. Workers cleared a new road, removed large areas of forest and built a bridge across the channel connecting the Narta Lagoon to the Adriatic Sea. Conservationists argue that these early activities have already disrupted a protected landscape known for its rich biodiversity.

Marine biologist Olsi Nika, who heads the environmental organization EcoAlbania, said heavy machinery operating on the beaches has damaged nesting areas used by endangered loggerhead sea turtles. He also said the construction of access roads through sand dunes and the removal of trees have disturbed important breeding grounds for many bird species. Environmental experts further warned that work on the water channel linking the lagoon to the sea has interfered with the natural flow of water that is essential for maintaining the surrounding wetlands.

Scientists describe the impact as severe, warning that the destruction of habitats could have long term consequences for local wildlife. Ferdinand Bego, a professor at the University of Tirana, said much of the damage to the protected area cannot easily be reversed, even though some construction work has been paused following public protests.

The project, valued at approximately 4.5 billion euros, was first announced in 2024 by Jared Kushner, the son in law of US President Donald Trump. Plans include the construction of luxury hotels near flamingo habitats and on a nearby uninhabited island. Trump’s daughter Ivanka has previously spoken publicly about the site’s attractive coastline, lagoon and white sand beaches, describing it as an exceptional location for tourism development.

Opposition to the project has grown steadily over recent months. Local residents and environmental activists have staged daily demonstrations, with protests becoming more intense after barbed wire fencing was installed to mark the boundaries of the planned resort. Tensions increased further when private security guards confronted demonstrators during one of the protests, leading to continued public rallies against the development.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has defended the investment, describing it as one of the country’s most important tourism projects. His government argues that the development will attract international investment, create jobs and help Albania compete with neighboring coastal destinations such as Montenegro, Greece and Croatia. Officials believe the project could significantly strengthen the country’s tourism industry and economic growth.

In June, a team of scientists visited the site to assess the environmental impact of the preparatory work. Their report concluded that turtle nesting sites, bird habitats and coastal sand dunes had already been affected. Researchers warned that continued development without stronger environmental protections could place additional pressure on the area’s unique ecosystem.

The campaign against the project has also received international attention. British singer Dua Lipa, whose family has roots in Kosovo, has publicly expressed support for those opposing the development. Environmental campaigners hope that growing international concern will encourage Albanian authorities to strengthen protections for the coastline.

The European Union has also raised concerns as Albania continues its efforts to join the bloc by 2030. European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos recently said Albania had agreed to reverse changes made to laws governing protected areas and strategic investments. Environmental experts say such reforms will be important if the country wants to meet European environmental standards during its accession process.

Professor Friedrich Schiemer of the University of Vienna, who inspected the site in June, stressed that immediate action is needed to limit further damage. He warned that large tourism developments in ecologically sensitive areas could permanently alter the region’s natural environment if stronger safeguards are not introduced before construction continues.