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Ivanka Trump plans a luxury resort in Albania: Locals protest to protect the fragile ecosystem

Michelle Oyola 0
Ivanka Trump/Albania

Thousands of Albanians are protesting with some signs saying “ALBANIA IS NOT FOR SALE”. Así es, by waving flags and chanting slogans on the sandy beach, Albanias have taken to the streets to protest plans for a luxury resort development linked to Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner on the pristine shore of Sazan Island.

For many demonstrators, la lucha is about much more than a new tourist destination. They want to protect their tierra and preserving a piece of Albania’s natural heritage. “The whole of this marine area is a protected zone. To destroy it would be fatal for this region’s biodiversity,” Emiljona Puja, a finance worker, told AFP.

Ivanka’s $1.4 billion plan is to transform sections of the island into an upscale tourism hotspot, bringing luxury hotels, villas, and other amenities aimed a wealthy international travelers. Government officials argue the project could create jobs and attract foreign investment. But critics say the environmental could be too high.

According to the plan, developers also hope to transform the uninhabited island of Sazan — once a secret communist military base — into a glitzy tourist destination, reports France 24.

The coastal lagoon on the southern Adriatic coact is home to many migratory birds, including flamingos. “This is a problem not only regarding the transparency of this whole process, but also everything has happened with a complete disregard of the environmental importance of this area,” said Denisa Kasa, of the Albanian Association for the Protection of the Environment (PPNEA).

The project


Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner are planning a $1.4 – 1.5 billion luxury resort development on Sazan Island (a 1,400-hectare uninhabited island in the Adriatic Sea) and the nearby Zvërnec coastal area in Albania.

  • “This island belongs to the people, not to billionaires,” protester said to local media.
  • The project includes hotels, luxury villas, marinas, and thousands of rooms.
  • The Albanian government granted it “strategic investment” status in December 2024.

    • Controversy

  • Massive protests have erupted across Albania with demonstrators chanting “Albania with demonstrators chanting “Albania is not for sale!”
  • Environmental groups warn the construction would invade protected ecological zones, including the Vjosa-Narta lagoon- home to flamingos, sea turtles, and migratory birds.
  • Videos emerged showing activists being dragged away by private security during protests.
  • Legal changes in 2024 allowed luxury tourism development in previously protected areas, raising suspicions.

    • Sazan Island is Home to Fragile Ecosystems & National Treasures


    Environmental groups say Sazan Island is home to fragile ecosystems and wildlife that could be threatened by large-scale construction. For many residents, the issue has become a question of justicia ambiental -environmental justice- and whether economic growth should come at the expense of protected lands.

    Demonstrators argue that communities deserve a stronger voice when major projects are approved, especially when they involve areas considered national treasures.

    Some support the luxury resort

    Supporters of the development insist the project can be completed responsibly and say it could help place Albania on the map as a premier Mediterranean destination. They point to potential economic benefits, including new employment opportunities and increased tourism dinero.

    Still, opposition is still strong.

    Social Media reacts to Ivanka Trump plan: “They are mentally ill”

    Ivanka says that when she discovered the island, she hiked the island barefoot. A lady is social media says that it is imposible because all Albanian’s know that the island is full of snakes and full of undetonated bombs underneath because it used to be a military threshold.

    Albania’s island: Sazan

    Flora & Vegetation: The island is covered by 435 species of vascular plants. Because of its position in the Mediterranean, it represents a unique crossroad between eastern and western biological influences.
    Wildlife: The marine park and nearby Vjosa-Narta protected landscapes are critical habitats. They shelter the endangered Mediterranean monk seal and are important nesting sites for sea turtles.
    Migratory Birds: The wetlands and surrounding areas support over 200 bird species. This includes vulnerable populations of flamingos and Dalmatian pelicans that rely on the area’s pristine estuaries.
    Marine Life: The waters around Sazan contain rich underwater fauna, giant sea caves, and ruins of ancient shipwrecks.

    Image Source

    • Ivanka Trump/Albania: Canva/Wikipedia
    Michelle Oyola

    Website: http://elnewshub.com

    Michelle is a journalist with over ten years of experience. She began her writing journey at the Gothic Times newspaper affiliated with NJCU. Following that, she completed her internship at the Spanish Broadcasting System in New York, where she contributed to LaMusica.com and reported on private concerts for 93.1 Amor radio station. Just a month before graduating, she secured a position as a reporter for People en Español magazine. As a Senior Writer, she participated in several significant projects, including “The 50 Most Beautiful,” “The Star of the Year,” and “The 25 Most Powerful Women.” These experiences honed her ability to meet high-volume and high-quality deadlines. In recognition of her work, she received the 2012 GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Magazine Article for her piece on “New York loves Equality.” After transitioning to digital news at Heavy Inc., a platform aimed at the American audience, she played a vital role in launching the Spanish sister site, AhoraMismo.com. During her time there, she covered live events such as award shows, reality shows, Super Bowls, presidential elections, and much more. Currently, she is the creator of El News Hub.

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