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Dear friends of EuroNatur,

You will probably have read, heard and seen a great deal about the so-called Flamingo Revolution in Albania over the past few weeks. For a long time, I too could only observe the events from afar. I have been deeply impressed by the courage and resolve of the Albanian people, who have been taking to the streets in their thousands every evening for the past two months to protect their natural environment. But now I have also been able to experience the events and the atmosphere first-hand on the ground. The occasion was a strategy meeting with our Albanian nature conservation partners at PPNEA, which had been planned months ago. When we arranged the meeting, there was no indication yet of the Albanian government’s recent measures damaging the environment in the Vjosa-Narta protected area. And now we found ourselves right in the middle of an extremely compelling debate about how Albania will deal with nature conservation in future, as well as with transparency, public participation and the rule of law. We also were witness to the peaceful protests on the streets of Tirana.

Colourful protest in Tirana on 11 July 2026 © Trivet Studio

I was deeply moved by the creativity and determination of the demonstrators, set against a refreshingly peaceful atmosphere. The flamingo has become a symbol of the protests; countless people are walking and dancing through the streets with pink flamingo figures. Before and after the protest marches, PPNEA’s offices are transformed into a flamingo colony, as many demonstrators leave their ‘cardboard friends’ with our partner organisation. It was delightful to see the specially set-up children’s corner at the demonstration. There are many young parents among the movement’s participants; they bring their children to this area, where they can draw and do crafts whilst their parents raise their voices for their children’s future.

Children's corner during the protest in Tirana © Trivet Studio

Finally, here’s an anecdote that shows just how witty the protests are. Prime Minister Edi Rama, in his usual crude manner, recently hurled a “F*** you!” at the demonstrators in an interview. The protesters responded by painting a message on the boulevard outside the Prime Minister’s office; in large letters it read ‘SPAK YOU’. SPAK is the acronym for Albania’s central anti-corruption agency, which is also investigating the Narta case.

Smaller, but no less determined: a flamingo with a ‘SPAK YOU’ sign © Trivet Studio

However the situation in Albania may develop in the coming weeks, I will not forget these peaceful yet powerful protests in a hurry. They give me courage and reinforce my belief that, together with our partners, we are doing the right thing and that it is still worth fighting to preserve the Narta Lagoon. I am delighted to know that you, too, are with us offering encouragement, support and, if you are able, donations.

Warm regards, Gabriel Schwaderer EuroNatur Executive Director

Nature conservation needs action - and money!  Targeted strategies, efficient methods, sound knowledge, rich practical experience and serious partners in the project areas ensure the success of our work. However, it is only through the commitment of our donors that the existing potential can lead to concrete measures.

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