Environmental organizations raise concerns/ Demand suspension of project on Sazan Island

2026-01-23 15:14:00, Aktualitet CNA

Environmental organizations raise concerns/ Demand suspension of project on

A group of 41 environmental organizations from 28 different countries has expressed deep concern over the approved project to build a luxury resort on Sazan Island, Albania’s only island, which is surrounded by the Karaburun–Sazan National Marine Park. The project envisages intervention in an area of ??45 hectares, seriously endangering the biodiversity and critical habitats of the area.

The organizations' letter has been sent directly to the Prime Minister of Albania, Mr. Edi Rama, and the Minister of Environment, Mr. Sofjan Jaupaj, demanding the immediate suspension of any decision to advance the project, the inclusion of the land part of the island in the National Marine Park, and its recognition as an Emerald Candidate Area and part of the future Natura 2000 network.

Sazan Island and its surrounding waters provide vital habitats for the world's most endangered marine species, including the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), which is included in the IUCN Red List and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).

The area also hosts 36 other globally threatened marine species, including marine plants, molluscs, crustaceans, fish, reptiles and cetaceans, protected by international conventions such as the Barcelona Convention, the Bonn Convention, CITES and the Bern Convention.

The Posidonia oceanica meadows and coastal caves of the Island provide vital habitats for these species and are essential to the Mediterranean ecosystem.

Since 2019, systematic monitoring has confirmed the stable presence of the Mediterranean monk seal and the rich biodiversity in the Karaburun–Sazan area.

Attached is the letter signed by all organizations, which contains more details on environmental concerns for the protection of Sazan Island./ CNA