Ivanka Trump, daughter of the U.S. President, and her husband Jared Kushner are facing significant opposition over their plans to develop a luxury resort on Albania’s Adriatic coast. The project, which includes a 1,400-hectare private island and five miles of beachfront, has drawn criticism for its potential impact on protected natural areas.

Environmental Concerns

Conservation groups have raised alarms about the development’s impact on the Vjosa–Narta Protected Landscape, home to endangered species such as monk seals and nesting sea turtles. Ariel Brunner of BirdLife, an environmental charity, reported seeing excavators and trucks at the site, with no visible permits or licenses.

Albania’s Prime Minister, Edi Rama, has defended the project, stating that the environmental impact is still under review and that no construction has officially begun. However, local protests have erupted, with citizens and environmentalists demanding transparency and protection for the area’s wildlife.

Legal and Political Implications

The controversy is further fueled by a 2024 change in Albanian law allowing luxury resorts in protected areas, a move criticized for conflicting with European Union regulations. The European Commission has expressed concerns over the project’s environmental impact, while Albania’s anti-corruption office has launched an investigation.

Critics also point to potential conflicts of interest, given Kushner’s role as a special envoy and his business dealings with countries involved in the project. Despite these challenges, the developers, including Sazan Real Estate Development LLC, emphasize their commitment to responsible stewardship and local job creation.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.