River protection in Europe

Huchen Huchen
The Balkan rivers are a treasure trove of biodiversity.
113 endangered fish species live here.
© Andreas Hartl

Pristine rivers

During the past 200 years, most of Europe’s rivers have been diverted or dammed. However, around the Mediterranean and particularly in the Balkans, many natural river landscapes remain. Rare animal and plant species live here, quite a few of which are now only found in just a few short stretches of river.

Yet our continent’s last pristine wild rivers are scheduled to be dammed for hydropower utilisation or developed for navigation. As part of an international network of partners, we are committed to preserving wild rivers throughout the Mediterranean region. We are focusing in particular on southeastern Europe and are standing up to the hydropower lobby.  

We are protecting Europe's last free flowing rivers

Middle course of the Vjosa in Albania
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What we are doing for Europe's rivers

  • Extensive protection for rivers: We campaign for Europe's most valuable river systems to be preserved as protected areas. This is the only way that rivers can be given long-term protection from exploitation and destruction. Extensive protected areas also make attractive destinations for ecotourists, providing a boost to the local economy. Our approach has proved successful on the Vjosa River in Albania, among others. As of 15 March 2023, the Vjosa has been under strict protection as Europe's first Wild River National Park.
     
  • Stopping dam projects: By taking legal action, we have successfully blocked major dam projects such as the Pocem power plant on the Vjosa in Albania. Since 2019, as part of the “Lawyers for Rivers” initiative, legal experts and lawyers have been helping the local population to take action against hydropower projects. We are also filing complaints with other institutions such as the European Energy Community and are actively involved in reforming legislation and environmental regulations.
     
  • Supporting local opposition: Many people in southeastern Europe are no longer prepared to stand by and accept the destruction of their rivers. In many regions, local residents are opposing the power plant operators. Together with our partners, we are supporting them in their protests, networking those affected and bringing their concerns to the attention of the press. In 2019, we honoured the “Brave Women of Kruščica" with the EuroNatur Award.
     
  • Cutting off cash flows: No money, no dams. We are persuading lenders to stop investing in the expensive construction of hydropower plants. Thanks to our efforts, many European banks have already stepped back from financing dams and have revised their investment guidelines in favour of rivers. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development did so in 2019.

A river's value cannot be measured in megawatts.

Ulrichel Eichelmann Ulrichel Eichelmann, CEO Riverwatch

How to donate

You too can join the large circle of those who are committed to Europe's wild rivers. We are grateful for every donation or active contribution! By doing so, you will support an independent and networked civil society in Europe that is working powerfully to protect our fresh waters. Please use your opportunities to help!

Occupying bridges, analysing fish stocks, managing invasive species: there are many different aspects to protecting Europe’s rivers

Learn more about our river projects

Discover more

How you can help

Donation

Future needs nature. EuroNatur cares for it. Please help anyway you can. With your donation you will make an effective contribution to protect rivers in Europe.

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.

News

The entire Aoos River in Greece and its tributaries are now protected

An important step was taken today by the Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy with the designation of part of the catchment area of the…

Still plenty of room for improvement in the Western Balkans

There is still a long way to go for all the countries of the Western Balkans if they want to become members of the EU - especially when it comes to…

Skavica mega dam: Albanian court to scrutinise special law for U.S. contractor Bechtel

++ Constitutional complaint filed by NGOs accepted for trial ++ First milestone in fight against one of Europe’s largest reservoirs ++ Thousands of…

Growing opposition to Albanian airport

++ Bern Convention calls on Albania to stop airport construction near Narta Lagoon ++ Project in Vjosa Delta endangers thousands of migratory birds ++…

Controversial airport construction in Albanian protected area casts shadow as far as Munich

++ Operating company Munich Airport International (MAI) is linked to illegal Vlora airport ++ Construction to take place in protected area of special…

Disappointing results of last trilogue on Renewable Energy Directive

++ Woody biomass and hydropower can continue to count towards renewable energy targets ++ No will for sustainable climate policy in the EU in sight ++

Major success: River Vjosa becomes National Park

++ Today the Vjosa River in Albania has been proclaimed Europe’s first Wild River National Park ++ EuroNatur, Riverwatch and many other partners have…

Vjosa Wild River National Park: Feasibility Study is a major milestone

The Vjosa River in Albania, one of the last wild rivers of Europe, is one major step closer to protection today as the team of Albanian and…

Legal action against the Vlora Airport in Albania

New developments on the planned airport construction in the Narta lagoon: The lawsuit filed by our partners against the project was ruled as…