Threatened Freshwater Fishes of the Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot
Distribution, extinction risk and the impact of hydropower
The Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot is among the most biologically diverse regions worldwide and renowned for its richness of endemic freshwater species. But the hotspot’s lakes, rivers and wetlands are seriously threatened by an unprecedented boom in hydropower development. Fish expert Dr. Jörg Freyhof and his co-authors examined 251 endangered freshwater fish species along with their stock situation in rivers in the Mediterranean basin were recorded. The impact of existing and planned hydropower plants on these populations was also evaluated. The study reveals that if all the projected plants were to be built, 179 fish species would be driven further towards extinction; another seven species would certainly be put beyond rescue and are likely to become globally extinct. The biggest threat comes from small hydropower plants. 163 fish species alone are threatened with extinction by existing and planned hydropower plants with a capacity of under 10 megawatts.
The study was commissioned by nature conservation organisations EuroNatur and Riverwatch, together with Wetlands International Europe, GEOTA and WWF Adria.
Study: Threatened Freshwater Fishes of the Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot
Press release: Fishes in Mediterranean region endangered due to hydropower boom
Rivers and Dams in the wider Mediterranean Basin
This study is the first comprehensive attempt to provide a large-scale overview of hydropower plants and rivers in the extended Mediterranean basin using a methodology based on European standards. The study analyses and ranks the hydromorphological intactness of 66791 river km and integrates the results with data on protected areas and key biodiversity areas according to IUCN. 23% of rivers were found in near natural condition, 27% in slightly modified condition, 28% are moderately modified and the remaining 22% are either extensively ore severely modified. This comes at no surprise as 11,864 hydropower plants have been recorded in the region, 5,269 of which already existing, another 6,393 planned on top of 202 currently under construction. Of the newly planned HPPs, 31% are located inside protected areas.
This study was commissioned by GEOTA in cooperation with EuroNatur, RiverWatch, WWF Adria, Wetlands International Europe and produced by FLUVIUS
Full Study: Rivers and Dams in the wider Mediterranean Basin
Executive Summary: Rivers and Dams in the wider Mediterranean Basin
Contribution to biodiversity knowledge of the Aoos river basin
The present biodiversity study has been conducted on the Greek part of the Aoos-Vjosa river. It focuses on insect species related to water (Odonata), as well as on large mammals, either directly related to the riverine ecosystems (otter) or indirectly (carnivores and ungulates). The study’s results underline the great biological importance of the non-protected part of Aoos basin for the conservation of the studies' key-species. The scientific evidence provided by the study highlight the crucial need to expand the protected area in Greece towards the Greek-Albanian borders, the need for the protection of the river from future hydropower constructions and, even more, the need to establish a Transboundary Wild River National Park – Vjosa/Aoos. Commissioned by Pindos Perivallontiki.
Study: Contribution to biodiversity knowledge of the Aoos river basin
Renewable energy sources in the Aoos basin
This study shows that further development of hydropower in Greece, and particularly in the Aoos river basin, is a strategy that has detrimental environmental impacts. Moreover, expansion of hydropower is not necessary for reaching the RES (Renewable Energy Sources) development goals of the country. This study, commissioned by Pindos Perivallontiki, includes:
- An overview of Greek energy policy.
- An assessment of the role of hydropower in Greek energy policy and its implications for Aoos basin.
- A presentation of alternative RES development scenarios that do not prioritize hydropower in energy planning and outlook for (alternative/non-HP) developments in Aoos basin.
Study: Renewable energy sources in the Aoos basin
Hydropower Pressure on European Rivers: The Story in Numbers
The first pan-European inventory of existing and planned hydropower plants shows the immense pressure on rivers throughout the continent, despite EU rules which should limit new hydropower plants. In addition to the 21,387 existing hydropower plants, another 8,785 are planned, mainly in the Alps and the Balkans. Previously untouched rivers – especially in the Balkans – are to be destroyed. 28% of planned hydropower projects are situated in protected areas, mainly in national parks and Natura 2000 sites. The study also evidences an alarming rise in small hydropower (91%), which wreaks environmental havoc whilst producing very little energy.
The study was commissioned by EuroNatur, Riverwatch, WWF, and GEOTA. Its findings highlight the failure of governments both within and outside the EU to protect rivers and biodiversity, and document plain disregard of EU water protection legislation, in particular the Water Framework Directive.
Hydropower Pressure on European Rivers: The Story in Numbers – Full Report
Hydropower Pressure on European Rivers: The Story in Numbers – Summary Report
Hydropower Subsidy Study - Western Balkans hydropower: Who pays, who profits?
Disproportionate public subsidies for small hydropower in the Western Balkans have resulted in widespread environmental damage and have benefited wealthy business people close to or part of the region’s governments, with little benefit for electricity generation, finds this study by CEE Bankwatch Network.
Fuelled by generous state-sponsored feed-in tariffs that contradict EU guidelines on state aid for environmental protection and energy, the number of hydropower plants under 10 megawatts in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia quadrupled from 108 to at least 488 between 2009 and 2018. Whilst the speed of development on solar and wind power projects has been glacial, in 2018 no less than 70 per cent of renewable energy incentives awarded in the region benefited small hydropower. Despite this support, small hydropower only generated 3.6 per cent of total electricity.
Study: Western Balkans hydropower: Who pays, who profits?
Vjosa Sediment Study: Hardly any energy, no sand for the beach
For over a year, scientists from the University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU) have been studying the sediment transport of the Vjosa river for different high and low water phases. They measured how much gravel, sand and fine sediment the Vjosa is transporting and calculated the annual sediment loads of the river. From these results, the researchers were able to predict the consequences on energy production, ecosystems and the Adriatic coast, if the sediments would be held back behind the planned Kalivac and Pocem dam walls. The scientists’ conclusions: the projected hydropower plans on the Vjosa would lead to a lose-lose-lose situation:
- High economic costs due to the enormous sediment deposition in the reservoirs and the decreasing energy production,
- Ecological degradation of a unique river system,
- Long-term negative consequences for the beaches and thus for the tourism of the region.
Study: Measuring of sediment transport and morphodynamics at the Vjosa river/Albania
Infographic Annual Sedimentation / Infographic Loss of Energy Potential / Infographic River Bed Incision / Infographic Coastal Erosion
Press release: New Vjosa study: hardly any energy, no sand for the beach
Practice your environmental rights – legal tools and mechanisms
The legal toolkit provides guidance for national and international CSOs and activists on how to use their environmental rights with a special focus on the protection of rivers from destructive hydropower developments. It explains how to practice existing environmental rights in the decision-making processes on national and international level. It hereby refers to the Aarhus Convention, the Bern Convention and the environmental and social policies of international financial institutions which provide financial assistance for hydropower projects. The toolkit also contains a collection of case studies derived from the direct experiences in the protection of the Mavrovo National Park as well as a selection of events and actions that can be used as supplements to legal procedures in order to gather support, keep the public informed and put pressure on decision makers.
Legal Toolkit: Practice your environmental rights – legal tools and mechanisms (ENGLISH)
Legal Toolkit: Practice your environmental rights – legal tools and mechanisms (MACEDONIAN)
Eco-Masterplan for Balkan Rivers
The Eco-Masterplan for Balkan Rivers is a comprehensive study which, for the first time, combines knowledge about biodiversity (fish, mussels, caddisflies), integrity of rivers and floodplains (hydromorphology), as well as the location of protected areas. A river network of over 80,000 kilometers in length was scientifically assessed according to these criteria. The result: about 61,000 kilometers of river (76 percent) are of high ecological quality and therefore designated as No-go zones for hydropower expansion. An energy study included in the Eco-Masterplan shows that the hydropower projects currently foreseen in the Balkans could be easily substituted by other sources of renewable energy, particularly solar and wind.
All this data is shown in graphs and maps. The Eco-Masterplan is a suitable tool to curb the devastating plans for hydropower expansion in the Balkans, to preserve biodiversity and beauty of these river landscapes, to avoid social conflicts and to increase planning security for investors.
Visual Story-Map about the Eco-Masterplan
Study: Eco-Masterplan for Balkan Rivers (original format)
Study: Eco-Masterplan for Balkan Rivers (A4 format) - for print version please send an email to info@balkanrivers.net
Press release: Eco-Masterplan shows value of Balkan Rivers
Alternatives to hydropower in the Balkans
The countries in the Balkans are facing a dilemma: they must fulfill the EU renewable targets while also follow environmental legislation. This raises the question: Is it possible to increase the renewable energy share AND keep the Balkan Rivers alive? We commissioned the energy expert Dr. Jürgen Neubarth with this question and his study “The role of hydropower in selected South-East European countries” shows that it is possible. The potential of environmentally much sounder sources of energy, such as wind and solar, is up to twice as high as the current electricity demand in the sun-kissed Balkan countries and exceeds the potential from hydropower by about five times! Thus, there is actually no need for new hydropower development. Moreover, most Balkan countries would still fail to reach their renewable targets even if all economically feasible hydropower plants were built, including in protected areas like national parks. Thus, a complete switch in the energy policy is needed. The data sows that this is possible.
Study: The role of hydropower in selected South-East European countries
Socio-Economic costs of incentives for small hydropower in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH)
Subsidies and feed-in tariffs for hydropower – paid from our electricity bills – has led to a rise in small hydropower projects, which would otherwise not be economically viable. Those projects have considerably social and environmental costs. This analysis compared the benefits from concession fees with the costs of incentives for small hydro power plants in BiH. Its result shows that the current system of incentives for the electrical energy production from small hydropower is socially and economically unjustifiable. On contrary, it produces a direct social loss of more than four million BAM (= over € 2 million) per year. The analysis recommends that the current system of concession fees and incentives for small hydropower needs to be significantly modified in order to avoid further social loss.
The Vjosa in Albania - a riverine ecosystem of European significance
More than 60 scientists from Albania, Austria and Germany have collected their knowledge about the biodiversity and ecology of the Vjosa and published it on 385 pages in this volume. Vjosa in Albania is the last large wild river in Europe outside Russia, free-flowing on a course of over 260 km without significant technical obstacles. As such, the Vjosa can serve as an invaluable reference system for future renaturation projects. In the rest of Europe such natural conditions have long gone and knowledge of how natural rivers look like and function is lost. Surprisingly, the Vjosa and their tributaries are still largely unexplored. The scientists from the three countries have joined forces to change that, to provide argumentation for the preservation of the Vjosa and against the plans of the Albanian government to build Vjosa hydroelectric power plants.
Published in Acta ZooBot Austria
Publication: The Vjosa in Albania - a riverine ecosystem of European significance
Balkan Rivers – Endangered Fish Species: Distribution and threats from hydropower development
This study proves that the rivers in the Balkans constitute Europe’s fish sanctuary: 113 endangered fish species find habitat in the rivers between Slovenia and Greece – more than in any other region in Europe. Fish expert Dr. Steven Weiss from the University of Graz and his co-authors also assessed the consequences for the fish fauna, if the projected hydropower plants in the Balkans were to be constructed. The result is alarming: up to 49 freshwater fish species are faced with either the threat of extinction or loss of between 50 and 100% of their Balkan distribution. Of these, eleven endemic species are threatened with extinction, seven will become critically endangered, and the number of endangered species will double to twenty-four. For 68 of 69 endemic species, habitat losses are estimated between 30 and 100%, resulting in increased levels of endangerment for essentially the entire endemic fauna. Additionally, the four migratory sturgeon species would essentially lose their potential for rehabilitation in the lower Danube if additional dams were constructed there.
Balkan Rivers – Endangered Fish Species: Distribution and threats from hydropower development – Full Study
Online Fish Database
Interactive Distribution Map
Financing for hydropower in protected areas in Southeast Europe: 2018 update
As the 2015 Bankwatch study “Financing for hydropower in protected areas in Southeast Europe” (see further down) shows, international commercial and public banks have been bankrolling a wave of hydropower projects across southeast Europe that have damaged pristine rivers, including in protected areas. This 2018 update finds that the number of financed hydropower projects in the region is even greater than previously known. These include the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the EU’s house bank the European Investment Bank (EIB), the World Bank Group and commercial banks such as Austria’s Erste Bank and Italy’s Unicredit Group.
Financing for hydropower in protected areas in Southeast Europe: 2018 update - Full Study
Financing for hydropower in protected areas in Southeast Europe: 2018 update - Database
Broken Rivers – The impact of European-financed small hydropower plants on pristine Balkan landscapes
Within the context of the Blue Heart of Europe campaign, the NGO Bankwatch visited eight recently constructed small hydropower plants in Albania, Macedonia and Croatia. All of them were financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB). In a nutshell, the projects have damaged biodiversity and are in urgent need of increased monitoring and restoration measures. All findings are published in this Bankwatch report. If you always wanted to know whether 'small' is actually 'beautiful' when it comes to hydropower, find out the truth in this study.
Hydropower development in the Balkans: data update 2017
Every two years, we analyze the situation of hydropower development in the Balkans, updating the data of existing and planned hydropower plants as well as those currently under construction. Moreover, we assess how many of these projects are located in protected areas. This 2017 data update makes the extent of the threat to the Blue Heart of Europe visible: Currently, 2,796 hydropower plants are in the planning phase, 188 are under construction, while another 1,004 plants are already operating. 1,031 (or 37%) of the planned dams are projected to be built in protected areas with high protection status (118 of which in national parks, 547 in Natura 2000 areas). What this means in comparison to the 2015 data set you can read in the summary below
2017 Data Set Summary
Collection of graphs
Graphs by country:
| Albania | Bosnia & Herzegovina | Macedonia | Serbia |
| Kosovo | Bulgaria | Slovenia | Croatia |
| Montenegro | Greece | Turkey |
Sava White Book – The River Sava: Threats and Restoration Potential
The Sava is one of the most interesting and complex rivers in Europe. Along its course of 926 kilometres, the Sava features the entire spectrum of different rivers habitats. Together with tributaries, the Sava basin constitutes one of the best preserved and most diverse river systems in Europe. Unfortunately, like so many other European rivers, the Sava stands at a crossroad: on the one hand improving the ecological condition of water bodies is a clearly defined goal of the European Union. On the other hand, flood protection, recreational use and transport capacities, etc. are to be increased as well. Moreover, hydropower developments, sediment exploitation and navigation upgrades put further strain on the river.
In which direction is the Sava going? This is the very question we asked ourselves within the context of the “Save the Blue Heart of Europe” campaign. Our answer is this White Book. It shall serve as an extensive and comprehensive overview of the situation of the Sava. However, what makes this White Book truly unique is that it is the first study offering suggestions for area-specific ecological flood control and river restoration projects. In other words, we show where former alluvial areas could be naturally flooded once again and in which sections the Sava’s river bed should be given more space.
Sava White Book – Full Study
Sava White Book – Map Annex
Sava White Book – Croatian Executive Summery
Financing for hydropower in protected areas in Southeast Europe
Southeast Europe is experiencing a wave of hydropower projects. In a region with a deadly combination of Europe's last wild rivers, rampant corruption and inadequate nature protection, the potential for damage is immense. A recent study by Dr Ulrich Schwarz (see study "Hydropower Projects in Protected Areas on the Balkans" below) found that almost half of the planned projects are in protected areas. This research aims - to the extent possible given the secrecy around the financial sector - who are the main actors involved in financing hydropower projects in the region, both overall and inside of protected areas. The extensive analysis shows that multilateral development banks are playing a key role. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the World Bank's International Finance Corporation (IFC) have extended loans totalling EUR 818 million to no less than 75 hydropower projects, including 30 directly affecting protected areas like national parks, Natura 2000 sites, and Ramsar sites.
!!! Update January 2017 !!!
The EBRD has said that financing has been cancelled for four small hydropower plants in Macedonia: Zrnovska reka 1, Zrnovska reka 2, Estericka reka, Kadina reka. In addition, financing has been cancelled for the 68 MW Boskov Most plant in the Mavrovo National Park, also in Macedonia. Regarding the Ternove SHPP in Albania, the EBRD has said that it had conducted an on-site investigation into the concerns received in a letter from an affected citizen. The bank found nothing to substantiate the allegations. Bankwatch will continue to monitor the issue.
Hydropower Projects on the Balkan Rivers – Update
In a follow-up study of the initial "Hydromorphological Status and Dam Projects" study from 2012 (U. Schwarz), we included small hydropower plants as well, when previously only those over 1 MW were recorded. A total of 2,683 future hydropower projects have been recorded on the Balkan Peninsula. Additionally, 714 existing dams were found in this region. Based on four size categories the 2,683 planned HPPs are distributed as follows: 68 very large projects (> 50 MW), 178 large projects (10-50 MW), 867 medium projects (1-<10 MW) and 1,570 small projects (0.1-< 1 MW) were identified.
Hydropower Projects on the Balkan Rivers – Update - Full Study
Maps:
| entire region | Slovenia | Croatia | Bosnia & Herzegovina |
| Serbia | Montenegro | Kosovo | Albania |
| Macedonia | Bulgaria | Greece | Turkey |
Hydropower Projects in Protected Areas on the Balkans
This study aims to quantify the number of hydropower projects that are planned within protected areas on the Balkan Peninsula. A total of 1,640 projected hydropower plants (HPPs) have been examined based on a detailed and categorized network of protected areas. A total of 535 planned projects or 32 % fall in strictly protected areas. In addition, 282 HPPs (17 %) are projected inside other protected areas with a weaker protection status. Altogether, 817 or 49% of all projected HPPs fall in protected areas, which points to the fact that this practice is the rule rather than an exception. This indicates a very high pressure of hydropower on protected sites.
Hydropower Projects in Protected Areas on the Balkans - Full Study
Hydropower Projects in Protected Areas on the Balkans - English Summary
Hydropower Projects in Protected Areas on the Balkans - German Summary
Hydropower Projects in Protected Areas on the Balkans - Slovenian Summary
Hydropower Projects in Protected Areas on the Balkans - Croatian Summary
Hydropower Projects in Protected Areas on the Balkans - Albanian Summary
Hydropower Projects in Protected Areas on the Balkans - Macedonian Summary
Maps:
Hydropower Projects in all Protected Areas - MAP
Hydropower Projects in National Parks - MAP
Hydropower Projects in Ramsar/Biosphere Reserves/UNESCOWorld Heritage Nature Sites - MAP
Hydropower Projects in Natura2000 Sites - MAP
Hydropower Projects in Nature Reserves and EMERALD Sites - MAP
Hydropower Projects in other protected areas - MAP
The Huchen Hucho hucho in the Balkan region
Distribution and future impacts by hydropower development
The Huchen or Danube Salmon is one of the most enigmatic species of Europe's freshwater fauna. It is a sensitive indicator species for some of the most ecologically valuable rivers in the Danube drainage. Historically, the species was wide-spread across the entire Danube basin. Since the late 19th century, however, Huchen populations declined by two thirds and the remaining populations are now highly endangered by hydropower development. But knowledge on the distribution of the Huchen on the Balkan Peninsula has been incomplete.
Within the context of the international campaign “Save the Blue Heart of Europe”, 18 scientists from 7 countries explored for the first time, in which rivers between Slovenia and Montenegro the Huchen can still be found. The results clearly show that the Balkan rivers constitute the last big hot spot for this species. Self-sustaining populations of Huchen were found in 43 rivers with a total length of 1,842 kilometres. This corresponds to 65 percent of all known Huchen stretches worldwide. However, 93 hydropower plants are projected directly in stretches with healthy Huchen populations. Experts predict a population decline of up to 70%, if these dams become reality.
The Huchen Hucho hucho in the Balkan region - Full Study
The Huchen Hucho hucho in der Balkan region - English Summary
The Huchen Hucho hucho in the Balkan region - German Summary
The Huchen Hucho hucho in the Balkan region - Slovenian Summary
The Huchen Hucho hucho in the Balkan region - Croatian Summary
The Huchen Hucho hucho in der Balkan region - Maps jpg map 1 jpg map 2
Compliance of HPP Plans in Mavrovo National Park in Macedonia with EU legislation
The compliance with EU legislation and guidelines of all hydropower projects inside the Mavrovo National Park in Macedonia was analyzed by the Ökobüro - an environmental alliance based in Austria. Legal experts conclude that the projects strongly violate EU law. Particularly alarming is the lack of environmental data leading to false and misleading environmental assessments. Another important aspect is that the cumulative effects of several projects planned in the area (a total of 22 hydropower facilities!) would have had to be considered before even starting project permitting procedures. This was not the case.
Find the study here: Nature destruction under the guise of energy security? Analysing EU law compliance of HPP Plans in Mavrovo NP in Macedonia
Hydromorphological Status and Dam Projects
In preparation for this campaign, the hydromorphology (the structural intactness of the river) of about 35,000 river kilometers on the Balkan Peninsula has been assessed. The results were impressive: 30% of the Balkan rivers are in a pristine state, another 50% are in a good condition or only moderately modified. In other words, almost 80% of 35,000 river kilometres are in a very good, good or acceptable morphological condition. That is the highest percentage in all of Europe.
An extensive research was also done on the proposed and planned dam projects in the Balkan region.
Find the study about the hydromorphology and the dam projects here:
Balkan River Assessment Executive Summary
Balkan River Assessment
Balkan River Assessment River Catalogue
Also, country specials have been compiled:
| Slovenia | Croatia | Bosnia & Herzegovina | Serbia |
| Montenegro | Kosovo | Albania | Macedonia |
| Bulgaria | Greece | Turkey |
Balkan fish and molluscs
The Balkan region is Noah’s Ark for Europe. Europe’s fly fishers have known it all along, but now there is scientific proof: the Balkan region is the most important hotspot for threatened fish species in Europe. This is also true for freshwater bivalves and freshwater snails.
In his study, renowned fish expert Dr Jörg Freyhof verified the importance of Balkan rivers for Europe’s fauna. 69 fish species can only be found in the Balkan region (endemic types). 28% of endangered freshwater fish species find habitat in these rivers. The percentage is even higher in regards to bivalves and snails: over 40% of all endangered mollusc species in Europe can be found here.
Here is another fact: if the dams are being built, underwater biodiversity will be reduced drastically. 75% of all fish species and 70% of bivalves and snails would not be able to adapt to the new environment and would either die or decrease significantly in numbers.