In a significant step forward for nature protection, the Croatian authorities announced yesterday that they are taking legal action against the construction of a dam on the Una River within a protected area of environmental importance.

River protectors from across Europe are linking arms with the community of the Una Spring in Croatia this Friday to protest the construction of an illegal dam at the source of this unique river, “The One”. Join the protest!

In a powerful display of solidarity and resistance, the Brave Women of Kruščica (BiH) visited the Shushica Valley in Albania to support the ongoing fight against the controversial water abstraction project. They formed a symbolic human chain together with locals across the Shushica.

Do you have a story to tell or experiences to share? Pitch your fight for river protection and present at the Balkan River Summit 2024! Find all the information about different contribution formats, key themes, and contact details in the post.

Recently, an international team of scientists worked together to carry out extensive field research on the Sarantaporos River, a tributary of the Aoos, united under a common mission: to bring the whole Aoos/Vjosa River catchment under a strong protection status by creating Europe's first Transboundary Wild River National Park.

Activists from the NGO EcoZ and citizens from the region organised an unusual action on the mountain slope of Kosovo´s Sharr National Park. With this visual action, the activists aim to draw attention to four dams illegally built within the national park and raise awareness not only in Kosovo but across Europe and the world. We demand the removal of the dams within the Sharr National Park.

A recent camp in Dibra, Albania, brought together diverse participants to explore the region's natural beauty while raising awareness about the Skavica Dam hydropower project. The event highlighted Dibra's eco-tourism potential and fostered cooperation among activists, emphasising the need to protect the area from the dam's significant social and environmental impacts.

A new report published by ClientEarth provides an interim assessment of how effectively six Western Balkan countries are safeguarding their rivers by incorporating key EU laws related to hydropower projects into their national legislation. The analysis reveals that there has been some progress. However, the report also highlights specific systemic failures to comply with the EU framework.

Save the Date for the most epic river rendezvous of the year! Join us at the 2^nd Balkan River Summit organized by the Save the Blue Heart of Europe campaign - 5 days of networking, workshops, and adventure!

Last Saturday, representatives of the communities of the Shushica river valley and other locals from Vlora and Vjosa valley travelled to Tirana to hand over a special petition to Prime Minister Edi Rama. People from 37 villages in the valley have united in a powerful statement against the water abstraction project from the Shushica River.