The Shushica River’s emerald waters wind through southern Albania, facing a potential risk from a project aiming to redirect some of its flow.
A construction boom driven by tourism is happening along the pristine coastline, requiring ample water supply for new developments.
This has triggered a conflict reminiscent of other disputes over intensive development in Albania, a country that has seen increased investment following decades of poverty due to communist rule and its collapse.
Local communities are resisting, expressing concern that plans to divert water to growing areas could jeopardize their economic well-being.
In the Shushica valley of southern Albania, villages are protesting against a project to transport water from the river to a coastal development.
“The fight for water is a fight for our children, for our future,” said Lulezim Bardhi, a former resident of Brataj, one of the villages, emphasizing the importance of protecting the river.
“This water sustains our lives, and we will continue to defend the river,” Bardhi told AFP.
– Conflict of Interests –
In a nearby construction site, stacks of blue pipes sit idle as work has been paused pending completion of an environmental impact assessment for the disputed project.
If the project resumes, the pipes will be used to construct a 17-kilometer line to transfer water from the river’s springs to the Ionian coast, where tourism is flourishing.
Local residents are advocating for the project to be scrapped, emphasizing the potential negative consequences for the region’s social, economic, and environmental well-being.
Albania’s Environment Minister Mirela Kumbaro denied claims of encroaching on protected areas, defending the government’s efforts to promote sustainable tourism while protecting the environment.
– Environmental Concerns –
Conservation groups are pressuring the government to address mounting environmental concerns, particularly in relation to water resources.
Activists from across Albania and neighboring countries have rallied against the project, highlighting the potential negative impact on agriculture and local livelihoods.
Climate change is also contributing to challenges faced by the Shushica River, further underscoring the importance of sustainable resource management.
“The battle for ‘blue gold’ is the main challenge of the new millennium,” said Ferdinand Bego, a natural sciences professor at Tirana University, emphasizing the urgent need to protect water resources.
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