Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, members of the U.S. presidential family, have proposed a $1.4 billion luxury villa resort on the Albanian island of Sazan and the Zvernec peninsula. This area is currently an ecologically protected zone known as the Vjosa Narta, which is home to hundreds of bird species, including flamingos. The development has sparked widespread protests in Albania, with demonstrations continuing for 49 consecutive days and drawing thousands of participants each night. These protests, known as the "Flamingo Revolution," have attracted international attention and highlight concerns not only about the proposed resort but also about the leadership of Prime Minister Edi Rama and his government, which critics accuse of corruption and autocratic behavior. The Zvernec peninsula, where the development is planned, has been involved in a long-standing legal dispute. Originally owned by local residents who received land titles after the fall of communism, the area was later declared a protected zone. In 2006, the land was reportedly transferred to an Albanian businessman named Artur Shehu, who has been accused of making questionable claims to the property. Kushner and Trump are believed to have acquired the land from Shehu, though the exact details of the transaction remain unclear. Recently, the Albanian government under Prime Minister Rama overturned a law that had previously banned construction in protected environmental areas, making the development legally possible. Environmental groups and activists have been central to the opposition, with EcoAlbania playing a key role in highlighting the ecological risks of the project. The Vjosa Narta area was declared a national park in 2023 after nearly a decade of advocacy by environmentalists, which had previously stopped the construction of a hydropower dam that would have harmed the ecosystem. However, the new development has raised fears about the destruction of this fragile environment. The protests have also brought attention to broader issues of corruption and the concentration of power, with critics arguing that the government has prioritized foreign investment and EU membership over sustainable economic growth. The proposed luxury resort on Sazan island, which Ivanka Trump described as a place she discovered during a swim with her family, has raised concerns about its impact on the local community. The island, once a Cold War military base, now has only a small military presence. The development plans would transform the island into a high-end resort, potentially limiting access for local Albanians and favoring the interests of the wealthy. The protests have also highlighted concerns about Albania’s tourism model, which some argue prioritizes luxury resorts over sustainable development and local agriculture. Critics believe the current approach may not benefit the broader population and could undermine local economies. The situation in Albania reflects a larger conflict between the desire for economic growth and the need to protect the environment and the rights of local communities. The protests continue to grow, showing that the people of Albania are determined to protect their land, heritage, and future from what they see as exploitation and environmental harm.