Together for Europe's rivers

The Sava with river islands and alluvial forests in spring. The Sava with river islands and alluvial forests in spring.
© Mario Zilec

Unspoilt rivers are lifelines

Europe’s last free-flowing rivers are in grave danger. In the Balkans – the ‘Blue Heart of Europe’ – hundreds of dams could be built. Yet these rivers hold rich treasures of biodiversity: 113 endangered fish species and numerous rare plant and animal species thrive here. 

Every day, people in South-Eastern Europe are resisting the destruction of their rivers. Women in Kruščica blocked access to construction sites for months. Scientists are studying habitats in order to protect them. Communities are hoping for sustainable development rather than hydroelectric power.

With a donation, you can stand by their side.

Donate for rivers now

That's why your help matters

  • Untouched rivers have become rare. In Germany, only 10% of rivers are still considered near-natural. In the Balkans, the figure is over 70%.
  • Dam projects pose a threat to nature and people. Power stations are even planned within protected areas.
  • Rivers need to flow freely. Dams destroy habitats, prevent fish from migrating and contribute to erosion in coastal regions.
A group of people have laid out the words "Vjosa no dams" on a meadow next to the Vjosa River.
© Oblak Aljaz

Europe’s last wild rivers tell stories

Brave women, species-rich canyons, resting flamingos and Europe’s first wild river national park. Click on an image to find out more.

 

Your donation allows us to...

  • join forces to protect endangered wild river landscapes
  • take legal action against destructive construction projects
  • support activists and local communities
  • run powerful campaigns against the hydropower lobby
  • conduct research, gather data and provide expertise to drive political change

Donate for free-running rivers in Europe

Account for donations

Account owner: EuroNatur 
Bank name: Bank für Sozialwirtschaft, Cologne, Germany
Bank code number: 370 205 00 
Account number: 8182001
IBAN: DE53 3702 0500 0008 1820 01
SWIFT / BIC: BFSWDE33XXX

I support the transboundary nature conservation work of EuroNatur because perseverance has had successes (e.g. Ulcinj) and hopefully will continue to have successes in the future (e.g. primeval beech forests).

Karl-Ernst Friederich, PhD
Supports nature conservation projects at EuroNatur since 1992

Reliable and transparent

EuroNatur is a non-profit, independent nature conservation foundation – established in 1987. Our work is based on scientific evidence and international cooperation.
Click on an image to enlarge it. You will find detailed information on our transparency here and in our annual report.

Do you have any questions?

Click here to find answers to frequently asked questions as well as contact details for your individual consultation.

I look to the future with confidence, because even in the Corona pandemic, we were able to experience a great deal of solidarity from our donors - through financial contributions, but also through many verbal and written messages that have greatly encouraged us to continue on our path. We thank you very much for your valuable support!

Gabriel Schwaderer
Gabriel Schwaderer
EuroNatur CEO
How you can help
Donate for rivers

Our future depends on nature. We are committed to protecting it. Please do what you can to help. This is an effective way to contribute to the conservation of Europe’s rivers.

Sustaining membership

EuroNatur focuses on long-term nature conservation projects instead of quick fixes. With your regular donations, you give us the planning security we need.