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Flamingo Revolution' protestors clash with police
Thousands of protestors in Albania have clashed with police over the planned construction of a luxury resort on a nature reserve. Police have responded with tear gas and water cannon. The proposed development is backed by Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. The protests are part of daily rallies that are being dubbed the 'flamingo revolution'. This is because the planned resort is on a pristine wildlife area that is home to thousands of flamingos. Demonstrators say the project would destroy habitats used by migratory birds. Many of those taking to the streets are calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. They want him to reverse his decision to allow the resort to go ahead.
The land at the heart of the demonstrations is at the Narta Lagoon on the coast of Albania's Adriatic Sea. Even though planning permission has not been granted and an environmental impact assessment has not been conducted, work has gone ahead. There are many bulldozers on the site and large areas have been fenced off. Protestors report that woodland has been cut down and sand dunes have been cleared. A 7 km-long road has also been constructed along a peninsula. Albania's government said the resort was necessary to help transform the country's economy. However, the European Union has warned the resort could hinder Albania's EU membership.
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Chat
Talk about these words from the article.
protestors / police / construction / luxury resort / tear gas / flamingos / revolution / demonstrations / the coast / environmental / bulldozers / woodland / sand dunes
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Discussion – Student
1) What do you know about flamingos?
2) What do you think of luxury resorts?
3) Should we stop building on land where there is wildlife?
4) What is the nicest resort you have ever stayed in?
5) What would make you protest in the streets?
6) What do you think of the term 'predatory capitalist'?
7) How do you want this story to end?
8) What advice do you have for the protestors?
