SOLEMN ACT/ Gjati pledges to pay more attention to the needs of non-prime ministers

 Kliko këtu për të tjera
Voxpress:

Just like in Zvërnec, there used to be protests in Budva for the protected area of ​​"St. Stephen", today a pioneer of tourism in the Balkans!

2026-05-31 20:25:24Fokus SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Zvërnec/ Saint Stephen

The debate over the tourism project in Zvërnec has brought back the familiar clash between economic development and environmental concerns.

On one side stand the investors and supporters of the project, who argue that the area needs modern tourist infrastructure.

On the other hand, there are activist groups and residents who express fears that the development could limit public access to the coast and change the natural character of the area.

But a look at the region's history shows that similar debates are not new.

The case of Budva and Saint Stephen

In Montenegro, large-scale tourism projects in coastal areas have often caused public opposition. One of the most well-known cases is related to the "Shën Stefan" area near Budva, where protests have taken place over the years against tourism investments, privatization of spaces, and urban changes.

However, despite initial objections, Sveti Stefan and the Budva Riviera are today considered among the most popular tourist destinations in the Balkans, attracting visitors from all over the world and generating significant revenue for the local economy.

Supporters of development in Zvërnec often use this example to argue that opposition to large investments is a common phenomenon, but that in some cases the long-term results have brought economic and tourism benefits.

Who is protesting?

One of the strongest debates is related to the representation of the public interest.

According to project supporters, most of the people who oppose the investment do not own property within the project territory, but in surrounding areas.

They argue that claims about the loss of access to the sea are premature and that the project should be judged on the final documentation and legal guarantees that will be provided.

On the other hand, activists insist that the issue is not related to private ownership, but to the public right to use coastal spaces and the impact that development may have on the ecosystem of the Narta lagoon and the Zvërnec protected area.

An untapped potential?

Zvërnec is known for its natural landscape, pine forest, and historic monastery, but remains a destination with limited tourist infrastructure.

Visitors to the area often face a lack of services, accommodation structures, and tourist activities that could extend their stay.

Supporters of the investment argue that this is precisely the reason why the area fails to attract significant tourist flows, while opponents warn that intensive development could endanger the natural values ??that make Zvërnec unique.

Development or status quo?

The question that arises today is whether Albania should follow models similar to those followed in other parts of the Adriatic, or preserve coastal areas from major tourist encroachment.

The experiences of the Balkans show that almost every strategic investment on the coast has been accompanied by debates, protests, and disagreements.

But they also show that the main challenge is not development itself, but the way it is carried out: with transparency, respect for the environment, and guarantees that public interests are not harmed.

As the debate over Zvërnec continues, it remains to be seen whether this area will follow the path of destinations that were transformed into important tourist centers, or whether it will remain an untapped potential on the Albanian tourist map.

©Copyright Vox News

This article is exclusive to Vox News, and is copyrighted under Law No. 35/2016, "On Copyright and Related Rights". The article may be republished by other media only by citing Vox News and including a link to the source at the end, otherwise any violator will be held liable under Article 178 of Law No. 35/2016.


Në përputhje me standarded JTI

Video

SHIKO KANALIN NE YOUTUBE
×