Preliminary Report of the Neretva Science Week

The first findings of the Neretva Science Week were summarized in a report. It provides preliminary impressions, highlights and an overview from the individual specialist groups.

Report Science Week 2022
[Translate to Englisch:] Gelbbauchunke auf Stein an der Neretva

The scientists were able to discover many endangered species in and along the Neretva River in one week, including the yellow-bellied toad.

© Saudin Merdan

From June 26th to July 5th, a diverse team of 48 scientists and 11 students from 7 countries visited the Upper Neretva River to collect data aimed at characterising this pristine and highly threatened riverine ecosystem. They focused on describing aspects of river-associated biodiversity by combining their expertises on various aquatic and terrestrial plant and animal groups. Furthermore, they also studied the environmental conditions supporting this biodiversity and a selection of ecosystem functions it may drive in the particular setting of this river.

The motivation behind this science expedition is the planned construction of at least 25 new dams: this is a critical moment to collect data to provide evidence of what is at stake by the dam plans, to deliver data for legal proceedings against the projects, and increase public visibility of these valuable ecosystems.

You can view the preliminary report here: https://balkanrivers.net/uploads/files/3/NSW-PreliminaryReport-Final-Web.pdf
The data collected will be analysed in much more detail over the next months and a more detailed final report is expected by the end of the year 2022.

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

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…

Bern Convention demands Bosnia-Herzegovina to stop all dam projects on Neretva River

On 2nd December, the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention (Convention on the Conservation of European Wild Flora and Fauna and Natural Habitats),…

Environmental groups suing the Albanian authorities for the illegal construction of the Vlora Airport

Environmental groups challenge the contract for the construction of Vlora International Airport as null due to the irregularities and the violation of…