News | Save the Blue Heart of Europe

Albanian and international science community stands up against damming the Vjosa river

++ One of the largest science petitions in global freshwater ecology calls to stop Vjosa dam projects in Albania ++ Scientists demand Albanian government to respect scientific standards in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Kalivaç hydropower project ++

Mon, 02/17/2020 - 11:02

Vjosa

Science

Press Release

Scientists for Vjosa - Videos

The international and Albanian freshwater science community raise their voices to warn of the severe consequences of the proposed dams on the Vjosa (and her tributaries). Listen to the many aspects of concern, including erosion of the coastline, loss of biodiversity, threat of dam break due to earthquake-prone area, loss of economic income and many more. Will the Albanian government listen to science?

Tue, 02/11/2020 - 13:18

Video

Vjosa

Science

Join the World Fish Migration Day 2020

World Fish Migration Day 2020 is approaching, a one-day global celebration to improve the public's understanding of the importance of migratory fish and free-flowing rivers and how to reduce our impacts on them. On MAY 16^th, thousands of organizations, schools, aquariums, zoos and communities organize their local events to educate and excite people about migratory fish species and our collective reliance on healthy free-flowing rivers. Join in!

Fri, 01/17/2020 - 15:43

WFMD

Award for Stara Planina activists!

Last Friday, the Serbian citizen activist group “Let´s Defend Rivers of Stara Planina” received a special honor: at the National Theater in Belgrade, they were awarded the “Most Exeptional Team Award 2019” at the Extraordinary People Event. The group has been fighting against dozens hydropower development int the nature park Stara Planina for years and has stopped many.

Tue, 12/17/2019 - 15:30

Award

Stara Planina

Serbia

CALL FOR DONATIONS: Kutë village in Albania wants to GO SOLAR

We need your help!! Donate to the project and help to show that there is no need indeed for dams on Vjosa. Most of the villagers’ arable land would be drowned in the proposed dam reservoir. Instead, they can produce their own energy on their roofs, creating more income for the community, and save Europe’s last wild river at the same time! Any donation until December 31 will be matched by Patagonia DONATE HERE

Fri, 12/13/2019 - 13:58

Vjosa

Donation

Save the Date: European Rivers Summit 2020

Lisbon will host the 2^nd edition of the European Rivers Summit, from 19^th to 21^st November 2020. Join us and hundreds of activists and specialists to share knowledge, network and talk about Rivers protection, one of the most endangered ecosystems in the World. Follow us to get all further updates on the European Rivers Summit (ERS) Lisbon 2020.

Wed, 12/11/2019 - 16:34

Event

Rebuke for Albania: Bern Convention insists on Albanian government to suspend hydropower projects on Vjosa river

During the recent annual meeting of the Standing Committee in Strasbourg, the Committee once again urged the Albanian authorities to suspend all preparations towards both hydropower projects until a strategic environmental impact assessment and social impact studies have been carried out.

Mon, 12/09/2019 - 14:04

Bern Convention

Vjosa

Mavrovo NP

Vacancy: Blue Heart campaign coordinator/ project manager for river protection at EuroNatur

Are you looking for an exciting job in saving the Blue Heart of Europe? Do you speak German and English? Are you willing to travel within Europe? Is river conservation dear to your heart? Then maybe you are just who we are looking for! Since 2013, EuroNatur and Riverwatch are leading the campaign “Save the Blue Heart of Europe” for the protection of Balkan rivers. Now, we are seeking a new member at EuroNatur for the international coordination team.

Sat, 12/07/2019 - 09:44

Job

Europe’s rivers are damned by dams: Plans for more than 8,700 new hydropower plants

The first pan-European inventory of existing and planned hydropower plants shows the immense pressure on rivers throughout the continent. In addition to the 21,387 existing hydropower plants, another 8,785 are planned, mainly in the Alps and the Balkans. Devastating impacts on biodiversity and society are to be expected.

Wed, 11/27/2019 - 14:50

Study

Leonardo DiCaprio raises his voice for Vjosa

The most prominent support for the Vjosa: Leonardo DiCaprio raises awareness about Europe's last wild river - the Vjosa - and the threat she is facing on his Instagram! "This is one of Europe’s last wild rivers. But for how long?⁠", he writes. The Vjosa has become world famous, she is valued for her intactness. He also points to the negative impacts of hydropower and to the important ecosystem services healthy rivers provide

Mon, 11/11/2019 - 11:03

Vjosa