BBC Global Woman has dedicated an article to the protests taking place in Albania against the planned tourist project in the protected area of ​​Zvërnec and the island of Sazan, presenting them as one of the largest civic movements of recent months.

The article states that the protests, known as the “Flamingo Revolution,” began in response to a luxury resort project near a protected ecosystem home to flamingos, seals, and sea turtles. According to media reports, thousands of citizens have taken to the streets of Tirana since late May, demanding the project’s cancellation.

 

 

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The BBC also highlights the public support of world-famous Albanian singer Dua Lipa. During her podcast with writer and academic Lea Ypi, in an episode published on July 14, the artist said that she finds the engagement of citizens inspiring.

"I find it very inspiring to see how much people care, you know, day after day they're taking to the streets," Dua Lipa said during the conversation.

The article also brings the testimony of 23-year-old student Asllan Llani Dogjani, who compared the importance of Zvërnec for Albania to what the Grand Canyon represents for the United States.

"If I were in the United States and they built a five-star resort in the Grand Canyon, I would be very upset because it is a national treasure. So is Zvernec here for Albania," he told Reuters.

According to the BBC, the tourism project worth about 1.4 billion euros is linked to the company of Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, and Ivanka Trump. Kushner's business partner, Asher Abehsera, told the BBC that the development aims to responsibly manage the area, improve the environment and create new jobs for the local community.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Edi Rama has defended the project, stating that there is "no chance" that it will be stopped during his term. The BBC also notes that it had contacted the Trump Organization for comment, but had not received a response.