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A proposed luxury tourism project on Albania’s Adriatic coast faced renewed opposition after around 200 residents of Rrjoll village dismantled fencing surrounding the development site. The protest reflects growing concerns over large-scale construction projects in environmentally sensitive coastal areas and longstanding land ownership disputes. Residents claim the project is being developed on land that was taken from local families without adequate compensation. The demonstration comes amid broader protests across Albania against luxury resort developments along the coastline, including projects planned near ecologically important habitats and protected natural areas.
A luxury tourism development on Albania’s Adriatic coast encountered fresh resistance in recent days after around 200 residents of Rrjoll village removed metal and razor-wire fencing erected around the project site.
The protest took place in the northwestern Albanian village of Rrjoll, an area known for its sandy beaches and pine forests. Demonstrators carried Albanian national flags and chanted slogans as they dismantled the fencing surrounding the development. Minor clashes were reported between protesters and police, although authorities did not intervene to stop the removal of the barriers.
The latest demonstration adds to growing public opposition to large-scale tourism and real estate developments along Albania’s coastline. In recent weeks, protests have also been held against a planned luxury resort near Vlora that is backed by a company linked to Jared Kushner, son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump. Environmental groups and local residents have raised concerns about construction activity in ecologically sensitive areas, including habitats known for flamingo populations and turtle nesting sites.
Residents of Rrjoll argue that the project is being built on land that historically belonged to local families and was later confiscated. According to protesters, compensation issues remain unresolved despite repeated appeals to authorities and developers.
One of the protesting landowners, Zeke Nikolle Shullani, said residents would continue demonstrations until affected families receive compensation. He stated that around 200 families claim ownership rights over the land and have been protesting for several months.
The development site is being built by an Albanian company that is planning a five-star luxury tourist resort. The project has received “special status investor” designation from the Albanian government, a classification intended to support investments considered strategically important for the country’s economic development and tourism sector.
Another local landowner, Nikolin Markpalaj, criticised the handling of the project, stating that residents had repeatedly sought consultations with investors but their requests were ignored. He argued that local communities should be involved in decisions affecting land and development in the area.
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions in Albania between tourism-led development ambitions and concerns surrounding land rights, environmental protection and community participation. As the country continues to attract investment in coastal tourism projects, several developments have increasingly come under public scrutiny from local residents and environmental activists.
Source Reuters
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