In September, Patagonia took a group of “Change Makers” to the Balkan to explore the stunning rivers, learn about the threats they are facing and what we do to save them. Today, we present to you the first outcome of this trip: a short video about the rivers in Bosnia and Herzegovina, produced by Grégory Mignard from the “Captain Yvon Association”. Enjoy!

Last Sunday, on October 29, the Albanian Minister for Energy announced, that the Kalivaç dam on the Vjosa is to be constructed by the Turkish company Ayen Enerji, in cooperation with the Albanian company Fusha. Ayen Enerji is the same company which already failed the Poçem HPP

Under the slogan “Mos ma prek Vjosën! (Hands off Vjosa!)”, a special kind of concert took place at the main square in Tirana last night. In front of over 4000 people, prominent Albanian musicians sang for the protection of the Vjosa river and against the planned dam projects.

For everyone who cannot attend the Vjosa concert in Tirana in person tonight: the Deutsche Welle will broadcast the concert in parts live, including interviews with the musicians prior to the concert. Tune in at around 6:15pm at https://www.facebook.com/dw.shqip/

On October 18, we will hold a big concert for the protection of the beautiful and threatened Vjosa River, the last big wild river in Europe! Free entry! Where: Skanderbeg square in front of the National History Museum in Tirana When: October 18, 19:00

The Cetina river in Croatia is under threat from a gas-fired thermal power plant, which is to be constructed on the Peruća Lake. It would destroy biosystems of the river and lake, and deprive 500,000 residents of their drinking water. Read more about it and SIGN THE PETITION

++ International research team finds 300 animal species in only one week, including a new fish and stonefly species ++ Sediment transport could grind electricity generation of the projected hydropower plant Poçem to a halt within 25 years ++ Earlier this year in April, 25 scientists from 4 countries researched the river section of the Vjosa in the area of the projected hydropower plant Poçem.

One of the ecologically most important habitats in Europe is facing destruction. Slovenia plans to build a chain of eight (!) hydropower dams in the future five-country Biosphere Reserve "Mura-Drava-Danube", the so-called "Amazon of Europe". The decision on the construction of the first dam along the Slovenian Mura at Hrastje-Mota is imminent. Please sign this petition!

The impressions of the scientific head of the Vjosa research week in April – Dr. Fritz Schiemer – were published on Patagonia’s Blog “The Cleanest Line”. The blog post explains why the Vjosa is so valuable from a scientific point of view and features stunning photos as well as video, showing the scientists at work

HPPs are popping up in Albania like bunkers in Hoxha’s time – with little regard for people and nature, just like in the “old days”. Only that it is not Hoxha, but the EBRD and other international donors financing the loss of nature and livelihoods, while priding themselves with their alleged environmental standards. Read Bankwatch’s blog post...