More than 40 environmental and nature conservation organisations from 28 countries have signed an open letter to Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama and Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj calling for an immediate halt to the planned luxury resort on the island of Sazan. Approved in January 2025 as a “strategic investment,” the project involves extensive construction work on Albania's only island and, according to the organisations, threatens an ecologically outstanding protected area.
This is the green hill Jared Kushner has his eye on.
© Xhemal Xherri
The sea around Sazan is of great ecological value. The consequences of the construction projects planned by Kushner would most likely have devastating effects on the ecosystem.
© Lisa LeschinskiSazan is part of the Karaburun–Sazan Marine National Park and is protected at both national and international levels. The surrounding waters are of great importance for marine biodiversity; among other species, monk seals, which had long disappeared from the area, are gradually returning. The construction of the resort alone would have a massive impact on the sensitive ecosystem due to noise, heavy ship traffic, and environmental and light pollution.
The organisations, including EuroNatur and many of our partner organisations, also see a clear contradiction with Albania's international obligations and the ongoing EU accession process. We therefore call in an open letter for the immediate suspension of the project, the complete protection of the terrestrial part of Sazan, and strict compliance with international nature conservation agreements. “The Albanian government must preserve this unique natural heritage for future generations instead of promoting luxury tourism projects that will hardly benefit the people in the region,” says EuroNatur Executive Director Gabriel Schwaderer.