Airport threatens Albania’s fragile wild paradise

NARTA, Albania (AFP):

Flamingos and Dalmatian pelicans laze in the azure waters of a shallow lagoon near Albania’s Adriatic coast.

However, this avian paradise’s days may be numbered, ecologists warn, with a new airport being built close by to cash in on the Balkan nation’s tourism boom.

Its construction near Vlora has triggered protests from environmentalists, who say it is being built inside a protected area and poses a serious risk to a variety of birds.

“This project goes against the laws of nature,” said Zydjon Vorspi of the Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania group.

“Building such vast infrastructure in an area known worldwide for its exceptional biodiversity means blocking the birds’ paths and creating major problems for local, as well as international bird populations.”

The lagoon is fed by the Vjosa, billed as Europe’s last major “wild river”, which was given national park status with much fanfare by the Albanian government in March after a campaign supported by Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio.

Millions of birds pass through the Narta lagoon and the nearby Karavasta estuary to the north every year, providing critical grounds for migratory species travelling between northern Europe and the African continent.

The airport will likely have a direct impact on the habitat, ecologists say, with jets disrupting migratory flyways and nesting areas that could irreparably damage the fragile ecosystem.

“We can already see that some species are worried,” Niko Dumani, a biodiversity specialist shared.

However, the Albanian government denies that the airport is infringing on protected areas, insisting that the project will be a much-needed boost to tourism.

“The airport will be built anyway,” declared Prime Minister Edi Rama. “It will be an added value and in no way a threat to the ecosystem”.