Kushner Island? Why a planned resort has provoked protests in Albania

June 5, 2026 - 18:12

The Albanian government is pushing forward with a massive resort development on the country's southern coastline, a project that has ignited fierce opposition from environmentalists and local residents. Dubbed "Kushner Island" by critics due to the involvement of Jared Kushner, former senior advisor to Donald Trump, the planned luxury complex aims to transform a pristine stretch of the Ionian Sea into a high-end tourism hub.

Officials in Tirana argue the resort is a key part of their strategy to elevate Albania into a global tourism destination, bringing in foreign investment and creating thousands of jobs. They point to the country's growing popularity with international travelers and see the project as a way to compete with neighboring Greece and Croatia. The development would include hotels, villas, and a marina, designed to attract wealthy visitors.

But the opposition is loud and organized. Protesters, including activists from environmental groups and local communities, say the construction will cause irreversible damage to the area's unique ecosystem. They warn that building on the untouched coastline will destroy habitats for rare bird species and sea turtles, and that the increased water and energy demands will strain local resources. Critics also accuse the government of fast-tracking permits without proper environmental impact studies. "This is not about progress," one protester told a local news outlet. "It is about selling our last wild beaches to the highest bidder." The debate highlights a growing tension in Albania between economic development and environmental preservation, with the fate of the coastline hanging in the balance.