As Jared Kushner advances luxury development plans in Albania, environmentalists warn of potential damage to Europe’s last wild river, the Vjosë.
Fred Pearce reports for Yale Environment 360.
In short:
- The Vjosë River, flowing freely from Greece through Albania, faces threats from extensive tourist developments initiated by Jared Kushner's investment firm.
- New constructions include hotels and villas, expected to draw up to a million visitors annually, potentially devastating local ecosystems and wildlife.
- Environmental groups and local conservationists are challenging these developments in court, citing conflicts with international environmental conventions.
Key quote:
"These developments are highly alarming, and we are strongly concerned about losing the last natural coastal areas in the Mediterranean."
— Annette Spangenberg, head of conservation at EuroNatur.
Why this matters:
The Vjosë River delta represents one of the Mediterranean’s most intact ecosystems, and it is crucial for agriculture, fisheries, and tourism—all sectors that rely on the river's ecological health. While development might bring short-term economic gains, it could also undermine long-term sustainability.
