Vjosa Delta Science Week 2024

The Vjosa and the neighbouring deltas of the Shkumini and Semani rivers in Albania constitute the last large intact deltas in the Mediterranean Basin.
The Vjosa and the neighbouring deltas of the Shkumini and Semani rivers in Albania constitute the last large intact deltas in the Mediterranean Basin., © Joshua D. Lim
One of the many reasons why we are doing this work is to protect this wildlife haven. If you can imagine, Jared Kushner plans to build villas and luxury apartments here.
One of the many reasons why we are doing this work is to protect this wildlife haven. If you can imagine, Jared Kushner plans to build villas and luxury apartments here., © Anika Konsek
On the first day, some scientists captured some stunning photos of birds at this coastal bird haven.
On the first day, some scientists captured some stunning photos of birds at this coastal bird haven., © Gernot Kunz
Along with birds, scientists were welcomed by the flying insects.
Along with birds, scientists were welcomed by the flying insects., © Gernot Kunz
As night approached, the entomologists started getting out their gear to explore the mysterious world of insects and arachnids.
As night approached, the entomologists started getting out their gear to explore the mysterious world of insects and arachnids., © Joshua D. Lim
Despite the chilly weather, Dr Gernot Kunz and his enthusiastic team from the University of Graz got up close and personal with these creatures of the dark.
Despite the chilly weather, Dr Gernot Kunz and his enthusiastic team from the University of Graz got up close and personal with these creatures of the dark., © Joshua D. Lim
They observed a variety of ground beetles and wild bees like these.
They observed a variety of ground beetles and wild bees like these., © Gernot Kunz
Their observations also included some arachnid species.
Their observations also included some arachnid species., © Gernot Kunz
From the Vjosa mouth to Narta lagoon, the scientists explored one of Europe’s last intact ecosystems – a haven for migratory birds and a dynamic biodiversity hotspot.
From the Vjosa mouth to Narta lagoon, the scientists explored one of Europe’s last intact ecosystems – a haven for migratory birds and a dynamic biodiversity hotspot., © Adrian Guri
Even the littlest of creatures were admired and recorded.
Even the littlest of creatures were admired and recorded., © Karim Strohriegl
And, of course, we spent time observing the hundreds of birds that frequent the area.
And, of course, we spent time observing the hundreds of birds that frequent the area., © Dalip Guri
An expedition to the lagoon would not be complete without sighting famous migratory flamingoes.
An expedition to the lagoon would not be complete without sighting famous migratory flamingoes., © Dash Vaja
Two scientists at work in the Vjosa Delta. In total, around 40 hydrologists, zoologists and researchers from other disciplines collected data - proving just how valuable the Vjosa Delta is.
Two scientists at work in the Vjosa Delta. In total, around 40 hydrologists, zoologists and researchers from other disciplines collected data - proving just how valuable the Vjosa Delta is., © Dalip Guri
Even disguise masters were spotted and recorded!
Even disguise masters were spotted and recorded!, © Gernot Kunz
Sediment sampling in Oxbow Lake.
Sediment sampling in Oxbow Lake., © Joshua D. Lim
Scientists from the Karl-Franzens Universität Graz.
Scientists from the Karl-Franzens Universität Graz., © Wolfgang Paill
The beautiful delta bathing in the golden sun.
The beautiful delta bathing in the golden sun., © Joshua D. Lim

From April 22-27, over 50 scientists from Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Greece and Italy, along with 20 national and international journalists and activists, gathered to study and explore the Vjosa Delta. They aimed to advocate for the delta's protection and inclusion in the Vjosa Wild River National Park according to IUCN standards. This initiative emphasises the crucial importance of conserving this biodiversity hotspot. An interdisciplinary effort by international scientists from aquatic and terrestrial biology, forestry, coastal ecology, microplastics and more will lead to a better understanding and, thus, protection of this unique ecosystem.

Press release: Vjosa Delta Science Week 2024: Science Delegation Explores Intact Vjosa Delta

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