TIRANA, June 5 – Minister for Relations with Parliament Erjona Ismailaj said the planned investment in Zvërnec will not damage the flora and fauna of the Narta Lagoon. She said the project will support economic development and create thousands of jobs in the Vlora region.
Speaking in a media interview, Ismailaj addressed criticism from environmental organisations over the project’s possible impact on biodiversity. She said the Narta Lagoon had limited biodiversity before 2012. Meanwhile, she said illegal fishing practices, including the use of dynamite, caused significant environmental damage at the time.
She said flamingos and pelicans did not exist in the lagoon in that period. She added that 12 years of policies and investments helped restore biodiversity. As a result, she said the current ecosystem reflects sustained environmental recovery efforts.
Ismailaj said government policies contributed to the restoration and enrichment of biodiversity in the area. She said the new investment will not negatively affect the ecosystem of the Narta Lagoon.
At the same time, she highlighted the economic benefits of the project. She said the investment will increase Vlora’s tourism potential and generate new employment opportunities, especially for young people.
She said the project will strengthen Albania’s position among top tourist destinations and bring thousands of jobs to local residents. She added that opposition to the investment would block an important development opportunity for the area and the country.
Ismailaj also referred to Vlora’s transformation in recent years. She said infrastructure development and tourism investment have significantly changed the city’s economic profile and expanded local employment opportunities.
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