Narta Lagoon, one of Europe's last untouched natural habitats, is making headlines for its record-breaking flamingo population this year. Nestled on the coast of Albania, near the city of Vlorë, the lagoon has become a haven for thousands of these iconic pink birds. However, this vital ecosystem faces a looming threat as tourism and infrastructure projects, including the construction of a major international airport, encroach on the protected landscape.
 |
A Record Year for Flamingos
Narta Lagoon is a sight to behold. This year, the lagoon has witnessed an extraordinary population of flamingos, with over 5,300 individuals recorded, according to bird researcher Mirjan Topi. These numbers make up approximately 4% of Europe’s total flamingo population, solidifying Narta as one of the Mediterranean’s most crucial wetlands for these and other bird species.
“Ecological conditions have greatly improved the flamingo populations,” says Topi. While the birds don't nest in Albania, the pristine habitat has provided an ideal environment for feeding and sheltering. Flamingos thrive here amidst the vibrant colors of the lagoon, creating breathtaking scenery that attracts visitors and conservationists alike.
Development Projects Pose a Serious Risk
Despite this environmental success, Narta Lagoon is at risk. The construction of a new international airport just kilometers from the lagoon, along with plans for mass tourism infrastructure, threatens the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Topi and other environmentalists fear that these projects will cause irreversible damage to the habitat and disrupt the flamingo colonies.
“I find it hard to believe that flamingos will ever find the conditions to nest here,” Topi warns. The continuous disturbances from construction and large-scale tourism could harm not only flamingos but all wildlife in the protected Vjosë-Nartë landscape.
The airport, currently under construction, is part of the Albanian government’s broader strategy to boost tourism in the region. While it promises economic growth and increased tourism, the environmental cost could be catastrophic. Conservation organizations, including local environmental groups, have voiced strong opposition to these plans.
Legal Battles and Ongoing Construction
Zydjon Vorpsi, a representative of Albania’s nature protection organizations, reveals that legal actions have been taken against the government bodies responsible for greenlighting these projects. However, the court process has been slow and fraught with delays, leaving construction to continue unchecked. Vorpsi points out that the case, currently stuck in early court proceedings, reflects a worrying trend where environmental concerns are sidelined in favor of economic development.
“This is very harmful because, despite the ongoing legal battles, the construction continues,” Vorpsi states. He also raises concerns that such a precedent could lead to further disregard for protected areas, pushing local communities out and demoralizing environmental defenders.
Tourism Plans: The Next Threat?
In addition to the airport, large-scale tourism developments are in the works for nearby Zvërnec and Sazan. Among these is a proposed luxury complex by American entrepreneur Jared Kushner, which includes plans for high-end hotels and villas capable of hosting thousands of guests. While this promises to transform the area into a tourist hotspot, environmentalists warn that such developments could spell disaster for Narta’s fragile ecosystem.
Topi remains skeptical of the government’s approach to protected areas. Under Albania’s new Protected Areas Law, large infrastructure projects are now permitted in areas like Narta, opening the door to unsustainable mass tourism.
A Fragile Future
As construction for the Vlorë International Airport continues, expected to finish later this year, concerns about the future of Narta Lagoon and its flamingo population grow. Conservationists argue that the benefits of mass tourism cannot outweigh the environmental costs. For now, Narta’s flamingos continue to grace the lagoon, but their future hangs in the balance as development pressures mount.
The question remains: can Albania find a balance between economic growth and the preservation of one of Europe’s last natural treasures? Only time, and perhaps the courts, will tell.