Albania Protests: Flamingo vs Eagle by Rob Carr

I retired at the end of last year, as the massive budget cuts at UNICEF ultimately hastened my decision to exit. Rather than complain, I gladly accepted the offer and happily hung up my hat after 32 wonderful years of service.  Afterwards we decided to travel, taking our time to figure out exactly where we wanted to land next.

Ultimately, we asked ourselves: "Why not return to a place we already love?" We are currently based here in Albania—a beautiful country where I had the privilege of serving as Deputy Representative from 2006 to 2011. We hold very fond memories of our time here, and I can happily say we have not regretted our return for a single moment.

Misconceptions and Emerging Realities
Albania is a small Balkan country that many outsiders still know very little about, often only associating it with widely exaggerated stereotypes of "Albanian gangs" popularized in movies. Lately, however, you may have seen this nation in the international news for a very different reason.

Locals and environmental defenders are deeply upset over a massive, €1.4 billion luxury resort development backed by rich investors. The project targets Sazan Island and a nearby slice of the mainland—an ecologically sensitive, protected lagoon area that serves as a vital wetland sanctuary for diverse wildlife, as well as a home to wonderful local communities.

The Mascot of the Movement
The symbol of these protests has become the pink flamingo, one of the many migratory birds that calls this threatened lagoon home. Now in its 12th consecutive day, the "Flamingo Revolution"—as the media has dubbed it—is visible everywhere across the capital city of Tirana and other cities.

It is incredibly moving to witness: small children and elderly citizens alike hoist handmade cardboard flamingo placards as they march through the streets. Alongside these pink birds, the streets are flooded with flags, hats, and shirts bearing the proud, double-headed black eagle set against a striking bright red background.

The Eagle and the Flamingo
This creates a powerful visual dichotomy on the streets: the flamingo represents the immediate fight for nature, while the double-headed eagle represents the nation itself.

You might wonder about the origin of that unique double-headed eagle on the Albanian flag. According to local lore and historical research, the two heads symbolize Albania's distinct position on the global map - bridging East and West.

• The East-Facing Head: Looks back at the deep history of the Ottoman, Greek, and Byzantine Empires.
• The West-Facing Head: Acknowledges the Austro-Hungarian Empire and other European powers that have approached, crossed, briefly ruled, and/or ultimately departed this lovely land.

In the Albanian language, the word for eagle is shqiponjë, and Albania itself is proudly called Shqipëria—the "Land of the Eagle."

As we walk the streets of Tirana these days, we are surrounded by deep red flags flying the double-headed eagle alongside towering placards of pink flamingos. Is it impossible not to look at this and wonder: can the eagle and the flamingo successfully protect public land against corporate greed? Will this beautiful terrain fall to the whims of the ultra-wealthy, or will it remain firmly in the protective talons of the eagle?  

the double eagle on a scarf

A family hoisting a flamingo placard

the national flag with 2 headed eagle and a new glass highrise shaped like the hero Skenderbeg.

The hero Skenderbeg with the double headed eagle on his chest for battle