As I ventured to the Narta lagoon, I encountered the beauty of the region, glittering waters reflecting the sky above, where majestic Dalmatian pelicans gracefully soared. Nestled between the Adriatic Sea and the rich wildlife of the Vjosa River delta, my guide Julian Hoffman and I witnessed a thriving colony of birds including flamingos and herons, drawn to Italy’s remarkable biodiversity.
However, for the Dalmatian pelican, once painted by naturalist Edward Lear and now categorized as "critically endangered" by Albania’s Ministry of Tourism, the charm of nature comes with a stark warning. The Vjosa River delta, spanning 59,000 acres and home to countless species, faces perilous disruption due to tourism expansion.
Construction at the Narta lagoon began in 2021 in anticipation of a new international airport designed to elevate regional tourism. Despite strong pushback from environmental NGOs and conservation groups urging for a halt, the project continues to move forward. Activists fear that such development could irreparably harm the delta's ecosystems that are vital for the pelican's survival.
As luxury tourism beckons to the scenic shores of Albania, it poses pressing questions about sustainability and the long-term impacts on environment and wildlife. It remains to be seen how these competing interests will reshape this coastal paradise.
However, for the Dalmatian pelican, once painted by naturalist Edward Lear and now categorized as "critically endangered" by Albania’s Ministry of Tourism, the charm of nature comes with a stark warning. The Vjosa River delta, spanning 59,000 acres and home to countless species, faces perilous disruption due to tourism expansion.
Construction at the Narta lagoon began in 2021 in anticipation of a new international airport designed to elevate regional tourism. Despite strong pushback from environmental NGOs and conservation groups urging for a halt, the project continues to move forward. Activists fear that such development could irreparably harm the delta's ecosystems that are vital for the pelican's survival.
As luxury tourism beckons to the scenic shores of Albania, it poses pressing questions about sustainability and the long-term impacts on environment and wildlife. It remains to be seen how these competing interests will reshape this coastal paradise.
