The Albanian government has plans to build an international airport in the city of Vlora. But the site for this airport is on an important migratory bird flyway and within an environmentally protected zone. The country wants to boost its economy, but at what cost?
Aleksandër Trajçe is one of Albania’s leading voices when it comes to plans, projects and political decisions that threaten wildlife and nature in the country. He is the head of PPNEA (Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania), a non-governmental environmental organisation that operates nationwide in Albania.
Euronews decided to ask Trajçe his ideas about the government's plans to speed up the public tender for the construction of Vlora International Airport. The airport is destined to trigger major tourist developments on the southern Albanian coastline. But the site earmarked for its construction is within a protected zone close to Narta lagoon. Narta Lagoon and its surrounding saline wetlands are known worldwide as a major stopover location for migratory birds travelling on the Adriatic Flyway between Europe and Africa.
Building an airport on this site has divided opinions across the country. Wildlife experts are against it. Many locals are for it because they think it will create more jobs in the area and politicians see it is as an economic boost for the country.
To hear Aleksandër Trajçe's views on the potential construction of Vlora International Airport, click on the media player above.