Key Area

The Balkan rivers constitute the remaining global stronghold of the Danube Salmon (Hucho hucho). This species, among the world’s largest salmonid fishes, is very sensitive to ecosystem alteration by hydropower development. International experts came together for a workshop to assess and discuss its distribution and conservation status.

Vienna, Radolfzell, June 26, 2014. 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. 

Find out about Vjosa River’s beauty, its values and threats in this video by Adrian Guri. It features stunning views of the river, impressions of the Vjosa press conference in Tepelenë,  and many interviews.

Vienna, 10.6.2014. In cooperation with the German GEO magazine, a remarkable event will take place along the Vjosa River in Albania from June 13-15. For three days, 50 to 60 experts will range the Vjosa’s riparian zone and study its animal and plant species.

Tepelena, Radolfzell, May 8, 2014. An unusual press conference is taking place in Albania today. On the gravel islands of the Vjosa River – the last big wild river in Europe – representatives of international and national environmental groups come together with the local mayor and business people in order to propose an idea to save the Vjosa

One of the oldest national parks in Europe is under attack. With the financial support of the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the government of Macedonia intends to have two large hydropower plants built in the middle of a national park. PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION AND SHARE HERE!

For years, the projected construction of several hydropower plants in the Mavrovo National Park in Macedonia has been a controversially discussed issue on an international level. Up to now, discussions have mostly been held behind closed doors. We would like to change that. On April 10, we will host the first public conference on the future of Mavrovo National Park at which both opponents and proponents will be speaking. We are glad to invite you to this event.