Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj said authorities are currently conducting environmental studies for the proposed investment in the Zvërnec area.
Speaking to ABC News, Ibrahimaj stressed that any future development must comply with environmental laws and EU standards. She said these rules protect the lagoon and the surrounding ecosystem.
“European directives and environmental legislation do not allow interventions that damage ecosystems,” she said. “This is a legal requirement, not a matter of individual choice.”
Ibrahimaj pointed to projects in other protected areas that have balanced development with environmental protection. She said institutions evaluate every proposal against strict environmental criteria.
She also noted that authorities have rejected projects in the past when they failed to meet environmental standards.
“We have already shown that when projects do not protect the environment, we reject them,” Ibrahimaj said.
The minister said the government aims to promote sustainable economic growth. She argued that major investments can raise standards in construction, tourism, services, and environmental management.
According to Ibrahimaj, large tourism projects create benefits across the economy. They improve service quality, support agriculture, boost trade, strengthen transport, and create jobs.
Addressing public concerns, she repeated that the government wants to protect the Zvërnec Lagoon and preserve the ecosystem.
“Our goal is to keep the lagoon untouched and preserve the ecosystem,” she said. “At this stage, we do not have a final project.”
Ibrahimaj explained that environmental studies will determine how any future development could proceed without harming nature. The assessments will also examine protected areas and sensitive habitats, including those of the Dalmatian pelican.
She concluded that authorities cannot discuss concrete impacts until they complete the studies and receive a final proposal. However, she reaffirmed that protecting the lagoon and the ecosystem remains a top priority.
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