Jordi Jon Pardo

Journalist, Documentary Photographer

Area Albania

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School: Universitat Ramon Llull Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

The abandoned village station, ...oing socio-economic challenges.

The abandoned village station, once a symbol of progress, has been transformed into a leisure center for the residents of Ballsh in southern Albania. This change reflects the broader narrative of post-socialist Albania, where many buildings have been repurposed due to economic transitions. The collapse of state industries and the subsequent shift towards a market economy have left numerous structures abandoned. As young people migrate abroad in search of better opportunities, local communities adapt by converting these relics of the past into functional spaces, embodying resilience amidst ongoing socio-economic challenges.

Dismantled buildings, abandoned...e reuse amidst economic shifts.

Dismantled buildings, abandoned gas stations, and plots for sale are common sights in the Albanian landscape. In the photograph, a dismantled structure stands next to a former service station, now repurposed as a hay warehouse for local farmers in Lushnjë, reflecting the region's adaptive reuse amidst economic shifts.

Illiri, a farmer living and wor...ing presence of heavy industry.

Illiri, a farmer living and working near the refinery in Ballsh, burns olive tree prunings. The proximity to the industrial site underscores the stark contrast between traditional agriculture and the looming presence of heavy industry.

Abandoned machinery and overgro...ses have left many such relics.

Abandoned machinery and overgrown grass now mark the site of a former gas station, which has been transformed into a football pitch for the younger generation. This repurposing highlights the resilience and ingenuity of the local community in southern Albania, where economic shifts and the decline of state-run enterprises have left many such relics.

A sample from the Gjanica, the ...ghout most of Southern Albania.

A sample from the Gjanica, the most polluted river in Albania. Industrial negligence and oil spills from the Patos-Marinëz and Ballsh refineries affect agricultural, herding, and fishing activities throughout most of Southern Albania.

The lake of Rezevuari i Hekalit...lenges for the local community.

The lake of Rezevuari i Hekalit in Ballsh is encircled by the oil wells of the Mallakastër industrial complex. This scene illustrates the ongoing tension between natural landscapes and industrial activity in Albania. The oil wells signify the region's dependence on the petroleum industry, which brings economic benefits but also poses environmental challenges for the local community.

Workers from Bankers Petroleum ... responsibility for the damage.

Workers from Bankers Petroleum at the Marinëz oil field. To extract crude oil, the refineries employ various techniques, including the recent introduction of fracking in southern Albania. This method has led to frequent earthquakes over the past decade, destroying 71 homes and damaging 540 others. While Bankers Petroleum has made donations to help rebuild some of the affected homes, they have not taken responsibility for the damage.

The Taullaj family in their par...cient environmental management.

The Taullaj family in their parents' room, Ballsh. Their presence serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring struggle against oil pollution in the region. The Patos-Marinëz industrial area, extending over 200 km², is heavily contaminated due to obsolete equipment and insufficient environmental management.

Gjelltore, a popular restaurant...ity and industry in the region.

Gjelltore, a popular restaurant in Ballsh, sits next to a gas station and is a frequent gathering spot for workers from the Mallakastër industrial complex. The proximity to the petrochemical facilities highlights the central role of the industry in local life. Despite the health risks associated with long-term exposure to pollutants from the refinery, as documented in recent studies, the restaurant remains a bustling hub for those employed in the surrounding oil fields and refineries, underscoring the intertwined nature of community and industry in the region.

Traces of cars. In Albania, one...ral aspirations in the region .

Traces of cars. In Albania, one of Europe's poorest countries, car ownership, especially of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has become a symbol of status and success. This cultural phenomenon persists despite economic hardships, reflecting a deep-seated desire for mobility and prestige. Activities such as accelerating and drifting are common among owners, showcasing the power and luxury of their machines. The prevalence of these vehicles underscores the complex interplay between economic challenges and cultural aspirations in the region .

A shepherdess tending her poult...ndustrial structures."

A shepherdess tending her poultry observes the abandoned station in Ballsh. The scenario reflects the everyday reality of rural life coexisting with southern Albania's remnants of industrial structures."

Three friends take a break near...hallenges faced by the region .

Three friends take a break near Ballsh. Unemployment is a significant issue in this area, particularly among the youth. Many, including these young men, struggle to find stable employment due to the economic impact of the declining oil industry and the lack of investment in other sectors. The high unemployment rate forces many to consider emigration in search of better opportunities, reflecting the broader socio-economic challenges faced by the region .

Linaq, a 12-year-old neighbor o...e spread out all over Albania.

Linaq, a 12-year-old neighbor of Ballsh, is affected by architectural pollution. She lives with her family few meters away from an abandoned house damaged by fires 25 years ago. Ruins such as this one are spread out all over Albania.

Orphan advertisement. A blank b...evelopment and quality of life.

Orphan advertisement. A blank billboard sits by a highway outside of Lushnjë, a common sight in one of the most polluted areas of Albania. In this region, economic challenges and environmental degradation have led to a decrease in advertising investments. Companies are reluctant to advertise in such areas, reflecting broader issues of economic stagnation and industrial decline that impact the region's development and quality of life.

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Thumbnail of The abandoned village station, o_going socio-economic challenges.

Thumbnail of Dismantled buildings, abandoned _ve reuse amidst economic shifts.

Thumbnail of Illiri, a farmer living and work_ming presence of heavy industry.

Thumbnail of Abandoned machinery and overgrow_ises have left many such relics.

Thumbnail of A sample from the Gjanica, the m_ughout most of Southern Albania.

Thumbnail of The lake of Rezevuari i Hekalit _llenges for the local community.

Thumbnail of Workers from Bankers Petroleum a_n responsibility for the damage.

Thumbnail of The Taullaj family in their pare_icient environmental management.

Thumbnail of Gjelltore, a popular restaurant _nity and industry in the region.

Thumbnail of Traces of cars. In Albania, one _ural aspirations in the region .

Thumbnail of A shepherdess tending her poultr_industrial structures."

Thumbnail of Three friends take a break near _challenges faced by the region .

Thumbnail of Linaq, a 12-year-old neighbor of_re spread out all over Albania.

Thumbnail of Orphan advertisement. A blank bi_development and quality of life.

Public Project

Area Albania

Updated Jan 2021

Location Mallakaster

Topics Abandonment, Albania, Climate Change, Documentary, Documentary Photography, Environment, Fear, Oil, Photography, Photojournalism, Pollution

8,133

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