European Parliament criticizes Albania’s hydropower policies
The European Parliament called upon the Albanian government to rethink the projected hydropower projects along the Vjosa River and its tributaries. In their Motion for a Resolution the vast majority of the EU parliamentarians demanded from Albania to abandon all hydropower projects, particularly those in national parks.
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Study confirms: The Heart of the Huchen beats on the Balkans
As a contribution to this year’s UN World Water Day (22.3.), representatives of the fields of science and fisheries in cooperation with environmental NGOs present a study about the distribution of the Huchen on the Balkan Peninsula. The results clearly show that the Balkan rivers constitute the last big hot spot for this species.
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The Vjosa River at a Crossroad – Dam Tsunami or National Park?
Today, the international NGOs Riverwatch and EuroNatur, together with their local partner EcoAlbania, are presenting a paper, which for the first time reveals the full extent of the threat to the Vjosa catchment area. According to this paper, the last big wild river of Europe is at risk of complete destruction.
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Vjosa in Albania: The municipalities of Përmet and Çarshovë want a National Park instead of dams
On Wednesday and Thursday the first public discussions about the future of the Vjosa Valley took place in the cities of Çarshovë (16.12.) and Përmet (17.12.) in southern Albania. While official plans of the government envisage the construction of eight dams along the river, the mayors and people of the affected communities support the alternative idea of establishing a national park.
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Dam projects: Case against Macedonia
Due to the projected construction of hydropower plants in the Mavrovo National Park, proceedings under the Bern Convention are being initiated against Macedonia. Plans for the hydro projects shall rest until the situation is resolved.
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NGO Protest: Sava River at Risk
In an open letter, fifteen environmental non-governmental organisations protest against the intention of the International Sava River Basin Commission to adopt a management plan for the Sava River basin.
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Sava floods: Floodplains save life and property
While the worst part of the recent floods in the Sava basin seem to be over, it is crucial to analyse their drivers and consider the lessons to be learned. Together with its partners EuroNatur presents a flood mitigation concept working with nature rather than against it.
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Nearly 100,000 against dams in Mavrovo National Park
One of Europe‘s oldest national parks shall remain free of new dams. Until yesterday 97,804 people signed a letter of protest against two projected hydropower plants inside the Mavrovo National Park in Macedonia. Today, the petition was handed over to the Macedonian Prime Minister Nicola Gruevski. This action was part of the Save the Blue Heart of Europe campaign.
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Wolf, Egyptian Vulture, Black Pennant, and Black Widow recorded at the Vjosa River in Albania
In the context of the Days of Biodiversity an initiative of the German GEO magazine – an international field research event took place at the Vjosa river in Albania in mid-June. The remarkable results will be published in the latest issue of the GEO magazine, which will be released tomorrow.
More ...Hands off Mavrovo National Park!
The World Bank Country Unit for Southeast Europe based in Vienna had unusual visitors this morning. Representatives of the environmental NGO Riverwatch handed over a letter of protest - signed by 77,930 people - against the proposed funding of a hydroelectric dam in the Mavrovo National Park in Macedonia.
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