Satellite imagery obtained by AFP reveals extensive development on the island, showing that a road has already been constructed, a significant portion of the forest has been cleared, and a bridge has been built across the channel connecting the Narta lagoon to the sea. According to marine biologist and head of the non-governmental organization EcoAlbania, Olsi Nika, the construction activities have resulted in multiple environmental impacts. She noted that bulldozers operating on the beaches have damaged nesting sites crucial for the giant loggerhead sea turtle, a species facing endangerment.
Furthermore, the establishment of access roads through the sand dunes and the felling of trees have disturbed the nesting areas of numerous bird species. The construction work on the major canal linking the lagoon to the sea has also severely disrupted the natural water currents, which are essential for maintaining the health of the local wetlands. During mid-June, a group of scientists visited the area to assess the extent of the potential damage caused by the ongoing development.
The observed changes point to significant habitat alteration. The combination of infrastructure development and physical disruption raises concerns regarding the local biodiversity. These reports detail how human development has already impacted critical ecological zones connecting the lagoon to the open sea.
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