Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former President Donald Trump, is working on an ambitious project to transform a pristine area of Albania’s coastline into a luxury resort, backed by Saudi investors.
Destroying Fragile Ecosystem
According to Digi24 the development plan, however, is drawing sharp criticism from environmentalists concerned about the potential destruction of a fragile ecosystem.
During one of his recent trips to Albania, Kushner explored a stretch of Mediterranean coast characterized by untouched sand dunes and dramatic cliffs.
He described the location as "magnificent" and "natural," seeing it as an "incredible opportunity" for luxury development. "It's a place where people would love to be," he remarked.
Kushner’s vision for this Albanian coastal region involves a large-scale resort funded primarily by his private equity fund, Affinity Partners.
The fund, which manages around $3 billion, has received substantial investments from Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern nations.
Insists it is Sustainable
The project aims to bring international tourism to an area that has struggled economically following decades of communism and neglect.
However, the development faces significant opposition from local and international conservation groups.
Critics warn that the construction of villas and hotels could devastate the habitat of endangered species, including pelicans and flamingos, and undermine global efforts to preserve one of the last wild coastal ecosystems in the Mediterranean.
Ryan Gellert, CEO of outdoor company Patagonia, expressed deep concern about the project, noting that it threatens a unique area dependent on a healthy river delta.
This isn't Kushner's first venture into the Balkans. He has previously partnered with Trump-friendly governments in the region, sparking accusations of conflicts of interest due to his close ties with Middle Eastern investors and his connections from his time in the Trump administration.
Despite these concerns, Kushner and his partners insist that their project will be environmentally sustainable and beneficial to the area.
