PRESS RELEASE
Tirana, Albania, 23 January 2026
A group of 41 environmental organizations from 28 countries has expressed deep concern over the recently approved project to build a luxury resort on Sazan Island, Albania’s only island, which is surrounded by the Karaburun–Sazan Marine National Park. The project proposes interventions across 45 hectares, posing serious risks to the biodiversity and critical habitats of the area.
The organizations’ letter has been sent directly to Prime Minister of Albania, Mr. Edi Rama, and Minister of Environment, Mr. Sofjan Jaupaj, calling for the immediate suspension of any decisions advancing the project, the formal inclusion of the island’s terrestrial areas into the Marine National Park, and its recognition as an Emerald Candidate Site and part of the future Natura 2000 network.
Sazan Island and its surrounding waters provide crucial habitats for some of the world’s most endangered marine species, including the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), listed on the IUCN Red List and under the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS). The area also hosts 36 other globally threatened marine species, including marine plants, mollusks, crustaceans, fish, reptiles, and cetaceans, all protected under international agreements such as the Barcelona Convention, Bonn Convention, CITES, and Bern Convention. The Posidonia oceanica meadows and coastal caves of Sazan Island offer essential habitats for these species and are vital to the Mediterranean ecosystem.
Since 2019, systematic monitoring has confirmed a stable presence of the Mediterranean monk seal and rich biodiversity within the Karaburun–Sazan area.
Here you can find the signed letter from all organizations, providing more detailed information on environmental concerns for the protection of Sazan Island.
Concern letter (41 organizations)
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