Thousands of citizens, environmental organisations, and local activists have protested against planned tourism developments in Albania’s Vjosa–Narta protected area, citing concerns over potential impacts on one of the country’s most important coastal ecosystems and habitats for migratory birds, flamingos, sea turtles, and other protected species. More than 98,000 people have signed a public petition calling for the protection of the area and stricter adherence to environmental standards. In parallel, a coalition of CSOs has issued a public letter to the Albanian Parliament, state institutions, and international partners, calling for a review of policies affecting protected areas, greater transparency, public participation in decision-making, and stronger alignment with environmental standards linked to Albania’s EU accession process. The Albanian government has defended the project, highlighting its economic and tourism potential, while stating that environmental assessments and regulatory procedures will be respected. The debate has also attracted attention from EU institutions in the context of Albania’s environmental commitments under the accession process. Read more here. Find more here.
Source: National Resource Center for Civil Society in Albania/ Citizens’ Petition