News

Ecological catastrophe on the Neretva: Deadly fish kill caused by Ulog hydropower operations

A coalition of international and Bosnian scientists, together with leading environmental NGOs, reveal evidence linking the mass mortality of fish and other aquatic life on the affected stretch of the upper Neretva on September 12, 2025, to operational practices at the Ulog Hydropower Plant.

Major success for the Morača River in Montenegro: Memorandum of Understanding signed to place it under protection

 20.11.2025

The Montenegrin Ministry of Environment, together with EuroNatur and its Montenegrin partner organisations CZIP and CDE-MES, has signed a memorandum of understanding to improve the protection of the Morača.

Komarnica Canyon through the lens

During the summer of 2025, photographer Bruno D'Amicis was tasked with capturing all the unique aspects that make Komarnica Canyon in Montenegro special. His expedition there reminds us of the many reasons this place is worth protecting.

Vjosa River officially recognised as a UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Reserve

 14.10.2025

In September 2025, Vjosa River was officially recognised as a UNESCO "Man and the Biosphere" (MAB) Reserve, during the World Congress of Biosphere Reserves in China. While it brings international visibility, it also comes with expectations for rigorous follow-up and effective management.

Transboundary River Forum: A step closer to creating Europe’s first Transboundary Wild River Park, Aoos/Vjosa

The Transboundary River Forum opened dialogue between institutions, civil society organisations, and, most importantly, gave a voice to local communities to actively participate in decision-making for the management of their rivers. At the heart of the Forum lay a shared commitment: the creation of Europe’s first Transboundary Wild River Park, Aoos/Vjosa.

Ecocide on the Neretva: Scientists raise alarm after mass fish die-off

 30.09.2025

A devastating ecological disaster has struck the upper Neretva River on September 12. Just downstream of the newly built Ulog hydropower plant, local fishermen discovered a 7-kilometer stretch of river filled with dead fish.

Riverwatch Chair Prof. Dr. Fritz Schiemer receives 2025 Wolfgang Staab Nature Conservation Award

 24.09.2025

Yesterday, September 24 2025, the Austrian freshwater ecologist Prof. Dr. Fritz Schiemer, Chair of Riverwatch, has been awarded the Wolfgang Staab Nature Conservation Award 2025 by the Schweisfurth Stiftung. The prize recognizes his exceptional scientific and political commitment to protecting the Vjosa River in Albania.

LIFE IS A RIVER - the hymn of the Balkans

 22.08.2025

 "LIFE IS A RIVER" is a new song from the legendary Darko Rundek, celebrating the wild rivers of the Balkans.

Demand real protection for the Vjosa Wild River National Park

 25.07.2025

National Park status should safeguard the Vjosa. Ask the Albanian government to continue their commitment to this wild place, and ensure the Vjosa Wild River National Park is protected today, tomorrow, and forever. 

North Macedonian civil society calls for urgent action to re-proclaim Mavrovo National Park

A coalition of 19 civil society organisations has sent a powerful message to the Government of North Macedonia: act now to re-proclaim Mavrovo National Park in compliance with the law.

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