Albania: Land, money and the sea

This BBC World Service documentary explores the complex and often contradictory forces shaping modern Albania, focusing on the tension between rapid tourism development and the preservation of its natural and cultural heritage. The episode centers on Ivanka Trump’s secretive visit to the Nata Lagoon in Svanets, a protected ecological zone, and her husband Jared Kushner’s plans for a luxury resort on nearby Sazan Island. The visit, accompanied by Prime Minister Edi Rama, highlights the country’s ambition to transform into a high-end Mediterranean destination, but also exposes deep-rooted land disputes, corruption, and the legacy of Albania’s communist past. Through interviews with locals, environmentalists, and historians, the podcast reveals how decades of political instability, pyramid schemes, and unclear land ownership have created a volatile landscape where powerful figures—both domestic and foreign—can override community rights. The fragile ecosystem of the Nata Lagoon, home to endangered monk seals, sea turtles, and rare birds, stands at the heart of a growing conflict between economic progress and environmental preservation. Despite promises of transparency and reform, the lack of accountability and the influence of 'strongmen' like Arta Shehu underscore a persistent theme: in Albania, 'the strong prevail.'