Lord Nat Rothschild has once again reacted publicly regarding developments affecting the Butrint National Park, expressing strong criticism of the way the Albanian government has treated protected areas and the legal changes undertaken in this regard.
His reaction comes through a comment published on the profile of British journalist Lindsey Hilsum, who has shared a documentary dedicated to American businessman Jared Kushner’s plans for investments in Albania, as well as the debate created about their impact on areas of particular environmental importance.
In his commentary, Rothschild states that the decision to remove about 800 hectares from the territory of the Butrint National Park, combined with changes in the legislation governing protected areas, constitutes a serious blow to one of Albania’s most important natural and cultural assets.
According to him, Butrint is not simply a national park, but a heritage of universal value, internationally recognized and protected by UNESCO, so any intervention that violates its integrity must be treated with maximum responsibility and in accordance with international standards.
Rothschild argues that the changes undertaken conflict with the obligations that Albania has undertaken under the UNESCO Convention for the Protection of World Heritage and raises questions about their compatibility with the commitments that the country has made in the European integration process.
This is Lord Rothschild’s second public reaction to this issue, signaling that the debate over planned developments in the Butrint area continues to attract the attention of influential figures in the international arena.
Rothschild has previously been part of public discussions due to his role in introducing Prime Minister Edi Rama to American investor Jared Kushner, a meeting that, according to media reports, took place on his yacht. This makes his reaction even more commented on, as it comes from a person who has had direct acquaintances and contacts with the parties involved.
His comments are expected to further fuel the public debate on strategic investment projects in the south of the country, the balance between economic development and environmental protection, as well as respect for international standards for the preservation of cultural and natural heritage.
On the other hand, Albanian institutions have previously defended the changes undertaken, arguing that they aim at the sustainable development of the area and do not violate the protected status of the Butrint National Park. The debate on this issue remains open, while further reactions from Albanian authorities and international organizations are expected.
