TIRANA, June 11 /ATA/ – Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj said on Thursday that a proposed tourism development in the Pishë Poro-Nartë protected area, southern Albania, would undergo highest level of environmental scrutiny and argued that neither Albanian nor European Union legislation imposes an absolute ban on development in such zones.
Speaking during a parliamentary interpellation requested by opposition lawmakers over the proposed investment in the coastal area of Zvërnec, Vlora municipality, Jaupaj said the project had been referred for a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), requiring a comprehensive scientific review of its potential effects on biodiversity, protected habitats, water resources, soil, climate and local communities.
“The highest level of environmental assessment provided for under Albanian legislation has been activated,” Jaupaj said.
He rejected claims that environmental procedures had been bypassed, saying the developer applied for environmental review on May 5 and authorities subsequently determined that the project required an in-depth assessment.
Jaupaj said the Pishë Poro-Nartë area is classified as a Category V protected landscape, a designation that allows certain economic, tourism and community activities under regulated conditions.
“Albanian law does not impose an absolute ban on tourism development in Category V protected areas. It establishes conditions, procedures and safeguards governing how such projects may be carried out,” he said.
Environment Minister also disputed claims that the project would automatically violate EU environmental standards.
“The European Union does not impose a blanket prohibition on development. What EU legislation requires is an assessment of the project’s actual impact on protected habitats and species,” Jaupaj said, referring to the bloc’s Habitats and Birds Directives.
He said the government’s role was to ensure that any development complies with environmental legislation, biodiversity protection requirements and European standards, while supporting economic growth and employment.
“The question is not whether development can take place, but whether it respects the law, environmental criteria and European standards,” Jaupaj said.
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