Singer Dua Lipa has publicly voiced her opposition to a $1.6 billion resort development planned for Sazan Island in Albania, a project backed by Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner. The development, which aims to transform the communist-era military base into a luxury destination for wealthy tourists, has faced significant local backlash and environmental protests.
Lipa, speaking on author Lea Ypi's Service95 Book Club podcast, expressed support for the ongoing protest movement in Albania. She stated, "I find it so inspiring to see how much people really care." Lipa also raised concerns about the government's decision-making process, adding, "What I actually find concerning is the principle that the government could just change the law to remove the environmental protection without any kind of public consultation."
The proposed resort is slated for construction on Sazan Island, an undeveloped area off Albania's Adriatic coast known for its pristine beaches and wildlife. Developers plan to build luxurious eco-homes and hotels, anticipating a influx of wealthy tourists. The island was formerly a secretive Soviet military base, and its landscape reportedly contains numerous bunkers and underground tunnels.
Critics argue that the project will turn the unspoiled natural environment into an exclusive playground for the elite. Environmental advocates have been protesting for at least 45 days in Albania's capital, Tirana, in what has been dubbed the 'flamingo revolution.' Demonstrators have used pink signs and inflatable birds to highlight the potential impact on local fauna, including sea turtles and flamingoes, which inhabit the planned construction zone.
The Albanian government, led by Prime Minister Edi Rama, has supported the development and reportedly cracked down on the protests. At least 18 protesters were arrested earlier this month, according to Politico.
Aleksander Trajce, head of the conservation group Protection and Preservation of the Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA), described Lipa's statement as "powerful." He noted that the singer's endorsement has inspired many young Albanians and that the protests show no signs of abating.
Ivanka Trump has previously described the project as "incredible" and "massive in scale." The development is a significant undertaking, with an estimated cost of $1.6 billion, aiming to capitalize on the island's natural beauty and historical significance.