News | Save the Blue Heart of Europe

Hydropower projects on the Vjosa: Bern Convention opens case-file against Albania

++ Hydropower plant projects Poçem and Kalivaç to be suspended immediately. ++ Standing Committee to the Bern Convention recognizes imminent danger to unique ecosystem. ++ Success for nature conservation NGOs in their struggle to save one of Europe’s last free flowing rivers. ++

Mon, 12/03/2018 - 14:13

Vjosa

Bern Convention

Key Area

Eco-Masterplan shows value of Balkan Rivers

++ 80,000 kilometers of rivers in the Balkans scientifically assessed ++ 76 percent thereof identified as no-go zones for hydropower development ++ Switch in energy policy is necessary and possible ++ Three quarters of the rivers in the Balkans are ecologically so valuable, that they should be completely off limits for hydropower development. This is the conclusion of the Eco-Masterplan, which was published today by the NGOs Riverwatch and EuroNatur.

Mon, 11/26/2018 - 23:22

Study: 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 an energy expert with this question and his study shows that there is no need for new hydropower!

Mon, 11/26/2018 - 14:11

Study

Solar

#ProtectWater

We all need water to survive. But without healthy rivers, lakes and wetlands, there is no water. The sources of Europe’s water are protected under EU law – but many EU governments want to weaken the law. Together, we MUST stop this from happening. The European Commission now wants you to have your say through its public consultation. This is your only chance to tell them to keep our water law strong.

Thu, 11/08/2018 - 11:48

ProtectWater

Video: European Rivers Summit 2018

Between September 27th and 29th 2018, Sarajevo became the center of European river conservationists and dam opponents. At the first European Rivers Summit, about 250 people from over 30 countries discussed how to stop the destruction of Europe’s rivers from hydropower, how to protect the last free-flowing river jewels in the long run and how to restore those already destroyed.

Wed, 10/17/2018 - 12:11

Video

MY RIVER - European Rivers Summit

At the first European Rivers Summit held in Sarajevo, between September 27-29, participants expressed their emotions for their rivers! The rivers are different, but the message is always the same: Save Europe's Rivers - Stop the Dams!

Thu, 10/11/2018 - 15:19

Video

Song for Vjosa and Valbona: Blessed be Free Rivers

Vjosa and Valbona receive prominent support! “Blessed be the free rivers" (“Lum Lumi i Lirë“!) aims to give a voice to the threatened rivers Vjosa and Valbona and create a deep echo of awareness in the public. Eda Zari, Elina Duni, Linda Rukaj, Rhani Krija (Official), Vlashent Sata, Emiljan Dhimo, Shpat Deda, Gert Kapo, Henning Jung, Kleidi Eski, Sokol Çunga, Mikaela Minga collaborated to produced this amazing song and video.

Wed, 10/10/2018 - 16:56

Video

First European Rivers Summit held in Sarajevo

++ 250 people attend Summit to save Europe’s rivers and stop the damming ++ Participants call upon EU and Heads of State to stop funding hydropower ++ Between September 27th and 29th, Sarajevo became the center of European river conservationists and dam opponents. At the first European Rivers Summit, about 250 people from over 30 countries discussed how to stop the destruction of Europe’s rivers from hydropower...

Tue, 10/02/2018 - 13:22

Press Release

Music for living rivers and against dams – Hundreds at Concert for Balkan Rivers

++ Rambo Amadeus, Eda Zari, Damir Imamovic and Tamara Obrovac sing to stop the hydropower tsunami on the Balkans ++ Hundreds of people raised their voices at the open-air Concert for Balkan Rivers at Sarajevo’s BBI centre on Saturday, September 29th. They were singing along with the popular musicians and thus raising awareness for the massive destruction of rivers which is going on all over the Balkan peninsula.

Mon, 10/01/2018 - 10:55

Bosnia-Herzegovina

Campaign Event

Press Release

Invitation: Balkan Rivers Concert in Sarajevo

Join us at the free Open-Air Concert for Balkan Rivers in Sarajevo on September 29th! Famous artists from the Balkans raise their voices to save Europe’s last wild rivers. Come and dance with us for free rivers! Featured artists: Rambo Amadeus, Eda Zari, Damir Imamovic, Tamara Obrovac, DJ Ismar

Mon, 09/03/2018 - 14:03

Campaign Event