Citizens of Përmet, tourist operators and environmental organizations protested on Tuesday in “Abdyl Frashëri” Square, demanding a ban on oil exploration by the Shell company.
The searches being carried out by this company for oil or gas in the Vjosa Valley have become a concern for the residents of the area and at the same time for the organization EcoAlbania.
Dozens of young people with different banners such as “No oil in Përmet” or “Përmet is not for sale”, asked in the main square of the city, in front of the town hall, to raise their voice about the latest developments. Some of them gave speeches with specific requests for the company to stop drilling in the area and for the authorities to be transparent and responsible for the impact it may have on the development of tourism.
A week ago, residents of the area indicated that the Shell company has been drilling for oil “both in the city and in the villages”.
“[…] It is a real massacre for tourism, for our virgin nature, Vjosa, clean air, our tradition and culture. If oil is found in the city, our country will die in terms of tourism. We are not against such investments, but not within the city. We live by exploiting our nature, water and air. Please help us remove this evil from the city. We only want clean Përmet, nothing more,” said a resident of Përmet.
The Vjosa Valley should receive the development that has already started towards tourism and not towards industrialization! EcoAlbania will follow this matter step by step!
