Press Release on the Situation in Vjosa–Narta
15 May 2026, Tirana, Albania
PPNEA and EuroNatur held a press conference addressing the alarming situation unfolding in the Pishë Poro–Nartë Protected Landscape, presenting evidence, field documentation, and facts demonstrating the ongoing destruction taking place at the heart of the Vjosa Delta.
During the conference, both organizations raised urgent concerns over the accelerated pace of infrastructure interventions in the area, while public institutions continue to issue contradictory statements and downplay the reality on the ground. The Executive Director of PPNEA, Aleksandër Trajçe, stated that construction activities are advancing at an alarming rate on a daily basis and that the natural landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Recent images from the site reveal the opening of new roads, the laying of hard materials for permanent infrastructure, and concrete foundations that signal the beginning of large-scale construction and the enclosure of the entire coastal belt stretching from the Narta Lagoon to the Adriatic Sea.
He further emphasized that areas including Dalan Beach, Zvërnec, Portonovo, and Hidrovori are gradually being affected by interventions that risk restricting public access along the entire coastline.
This lack of transparency and public information is creating confusion and enabling the continuation of destructive activities in one of the country’s most ecologically significant areas.
Annette Spangenberg from EuroNatur stressed that this case involves not only violations of national legislation, but also breaches of international standards and obligations related to nature protection.
The planned projects point toward the development of a “new city” within the protected area, including buildings ranging from one to eight storeys. We are witnessing the disappearance of natural forest ecosystems and their replacement with urban infrastructure.
The situation is critical and requires immediate intervention. PPNEA called for the immediate suspension of the construction and the full publication of all relevant documentation.
At the conclusion of the press conference, PPNEA and its partners called on the public to join the protest taking place on Saturday at 11:30 at Pomp station Akërni, Vjosa–Narta.
Vjosa–Narta is not a construction site.
And it must not be sacrificed in silence.
HANDS OFF VJOSA–NARTA!
