Global Tour "Vjosa National Park Now"

#VjosaNationalParkNow on the fringes of the Grand Canyon, USA at the end of September 2021.
#VjosaNationalParkNow on the fringes of the Grand Canyon, USA at the end of September 2021., © Meredith Meeks & Nick Geib
#VjosaNationalParkNow down under in Sydney, Australia, in early November!
#VjosaNationalParkNow down under in Sydney, Australia, in early November!, © Maria Michael
The shouts from people across the globe are in support of Europe’s first Wild River National Park.
The shouts from people across the globe are in support of Europe’s first Wild River National Park., © Alex Begetis
Patagonia Australia placed the demand in Sydney Harbour across from the famous Opera House
Patagonia Australia placed the demand in Sydney Harbour across from the famous Opera House, © Maria Michael
The world is watching and we won’t stop until the Vjosa and all her tributaries receive the highest protection category possible.
The world is watching and we won’t stop until the Vjosa and all her tributaries receive the highest protection category possible., © Maria Michael
Kenya: 10 Albanian wildlife photographers have unveiled the slogan at Lake Elementaita - a bird conservation area, in Kenya, Africa. This is the 24th action organized by activists that call on the Albanian government to declare the Vjosa River and her tributaries a national park.
Kenya: 10 Albanian wildlife photographers have unveiled the slogan at Lake Elementaita - a bird conservation area, in Kenya, Africa. This is the 24th action organized by activists that call on the Albanian government to declare the Vjosa River and her tributaries a national park., © Lorenzo Barelli
Thanks to the organizers: Florjan Binaj, Jetmir Troshani, Ilir Hebovija, Granit Hyseni, Ruzhdi Ibrahimi, Lorenzo Barelli, Sevdail Sulejmani, Arjan Mavriqi, Dzeljalj Murati, Muzli Berisha, Skender Rexhepi, Arjan Mavriqi, Onesmus Irungu, Jack Kiiru, Moses Mbugua
Thanks to the organizers: Florjan Binaj, Jetmir Troshani, Ilir Hebovija, Granit Hyseni, Ruzhdi Ibrahimi, Lorenzo Barelli, Sevdail Sulejmani, Arjan Mavriqi, Dzeljalj Murati, Muzli Berisha, Skender Rexhepi, Arjan Mavriqi, Onesmus Irungu, Jack Kiiru, Moses Mbugua, © Lorenzo Barelli
New York City demands the #VjosaNationalParkNow in early November!
New York City demands the #VjosaNationalParkNow in early November!, © Zamir Lico & Niazi Murataj
Albanian and US American activists rolled out the demand to protect the Vjosa within Central Park in Manhattan.
Albanian and US American activists rolled out the demand to protect the Vjosa within Central Park in Manhattan., © Zamir Lico & Niazi Murataj
This is the third action in the USA
This is the third action in the USA, © Zamir Lico & Niazi Murataj
#VjosaNationalParkNow goes Vienna, Austria, on October 19th!
#VjosaNationalParkNow goes Vienna, Austria, on October 19th!, © Christoph Wisser
With the help of activists, Riverwatch placed the demand in the Danube Park against the skyline of Vienna.
With the help of activists, Riverwatch placed the demand in the Danube Park against the skyline of Vienna., © Cornelia Wieser
All around the world, people are rooting for Europe’s first Wild River National Park – a reason for all outdoor lovers to visit Albania in the future, if this vision becomes reality.
All around the world, people are rooting for Europe’s first Wild River National Park – a reason for all outdoor lovers to visit Albania in the future, if this vision becomes reality., © Christoph Wisser
The Vjosa river is extremely valuable and deserves the highest protection category.
The Vjosa river is extremely valuable and deserves the highest protection category., © Christoph Wisser
Activists called out for the FULL protection of the Vjosa and all her tributaries in Marble Canyon, Arizona in the Colorado River Basin.
Activists called out for the FULL protection of the Vjosa and all her tributaries in Marble Canyon, Arizona in the Colorado River Basin., © Meredith Meeks & Nick Geib
Both river systems provide lifelines for millions of people and diverse species - each deserving to be protected for present and future generations!
Both river systems provide lifelines for millions of people and diverse species - each deserving to be protected for present and future generations!, © Meredith Meeks & Nick Geib
The Grand Canyon action team!
The Grand Canyon action team!, © Meredith Meeks & Nick Geib
Thanks to Save Our Rivers for the #VjosaNationalParkNow action in Snowdonia National Park in Ogwen Valley, Wales at the end of August 2021
Thanks to Save Our Rivers for the #VjosaNationalParkNow action in Snowdonia National Park in Ogwen Valley, Wales at the end of August 2021, © Save Our Rivers
Snowdonia National Park was the first national park in Wales designated in 1951. Save Our Rivers has campaigned against multiple small hydropower schemes in Europe and is in FULL support of the Vjosa National Park now!
Snowdonia National Park was the first national park in Wales designated in 1951. Save Our Rivers has campaigned against multiple small hydropower schemes in Europe and is in FULL support of the Vjosa National Park now!, © Save Our Rivers
San Francisco rallies for the #VjosaNationalParkNow in front of the Golden Gate bridge!
San Francisco rallies for the #VjosaNationalParkNow in front of the Golden Gate bridge!, © Kenny Hurtado
Despite fog and wind, activists from Patagonia called out for the FULL protection of the Vjosa and all her tributaries as a national park in the United States.
Despite fog and wind, activists from Patagonia called out for the FULL protection of the Vjosa and all her tributaries as a national park in the United States., © Kenny Hurtado
London is calling out for #VjosaNationalParkNow on July 21!
London is calling out for #VjosaNationalParkNow on July 21!, © Save Our Rivers
Activists and organizers from Save Our Rivers, Patagonia Europe, NRS, London Waterkeeper and Moo Canoes - The Milk Float rolled out the banner at London’s Olympic Stadium along the Thames.
Activists and organizers from Save Our Rivers, Patagonia Europe, NRS, London Waterkeeper and Moo Canoes - The Milk Float rolled out the banner at London’s Olympic Stadium along the Thames., © Save Our Rivers
On its first 80 kilometers, the Vjosa flows through Greece and is named Aoos. Eventually, this river stretch shall also be included in the first Wild River National Park, turning the Vjosa National Park into Aoos-Vjosa Transnational Park.
On its first 80 kilometers, the Vjosa flows through Greece and is named Aoos. Eventually, this river stretch shall also be included in the first Wild River National Park, turning the Vjosa National Park into Aoos-Vjosa Transnational Park., © Αντώνης Βρόικος
Our Greek partners Pindos Perivallontiki in collaboration with MedINA and Protect Aoos extended our letter set to fit this purpose and unfolded the message at Mavili Square in Ioannina, Greece, in late September.
Our Greek partners Pindos Perivallontiki in collaboration with MedINA and Protect Aoos extended our letter set to fit this purpose and unfolded the message at Mavili Square in Ioannina, Greece, in late September., © Αντώνης Βρόικος
Additionally, the letters were rolled out on the Aoos River near the village of Vovousa during the Home River Bioblitz.
Additionally, the letters were rolled out on the Aoos River near the village of Vovousa during the Home River Bioblitz., © Dimitris Papageorgiou
#AoosVjosaTransnationalParkNow at the banks of Aoos River.
#AoosVjosaTransnationalParkNow at the banks of Aoos River., © Dimitris Papageorgiou
#VjosaNationalParkNow in front of the beautiful Duomo di Milano in mid-July!
#VjosaNationalParkNow in front of the beautiful Duomo di Milano in mid-July!, © Paolo Aralla & Bapu Srlst | Organization: Patagonia Milano
Huge thanks to the Patagonia Milan team of activists for their efforts!
Huge thanks to the Patagonia Milan team of activists for their efforts!, © Paolo Aralla & Bapu Srlst | Organization: Patagonia Milano
Calls from the Piazza Duomo in Italy demand protection of the #VjosaForever.
Calls from the Piazza Duomo in Italy demand protection of the #VjosaForever., © Paolo Aralla & Bapu Srlst | Organization: Patagonia Milano
Amsterdam is the next city to support the #VjosaNationalParkNow as it hosts the letters on Java Island in early July!
Amsterdam is the next city to support the #VjosaNationalParkNow as it hosts the letters on Java Island in early July!, © Patrick Sault, Caroline vanHeule | Organization: Patagonia Europe
The team of activists from Patagonia Europe continues to bring international attention to protect #VjosaForever.
The team of activists from Patagonia Europe continues to bring international attention to protect #VjosaForever., © Patrick Sault, Caroline vanHeule | Organization: Patagonia Europe
Amsterdam for #VjosaNationalParkNow
Amsterdam for #VjosaNationalParkNow, © Patrick Sault, Caroline vanHeule | Organization: Patagonia Europe
Zurich, Switzerland supports the #VjosaNationalParkNow!
Zurich, Switzerland supports the #VjosaNationalParkNow!, © Caroline Fink | Organization: Patagonia Zürich & Bianca Mühlhammer
The action team around Patagonia Zurich rolled out the banner demanding full protection of the Vjosa River at Lake Zurich in mid-June
The action team around Patagonia Zurich rolled out the banner demanding full protection of the Vjosa River at Lake Zurich in mid-June, © Caroline Fink | Organization: Patagonia Zürich & Bianca Mühlhammer
The Zurich action was the 9th #VjosaNationalParkNowaction in Europe.
The Zurich action was the 9th #VjosaNationalParkNowaction in Europe., © Caroline Fink | Organization: Patagonia Zürich & Bianca Mühlhammer
Podgorica (Подгорица), Montenegro supports the #VjosaNationalParkNow in mid-June!
Podgorica (Подгорица), Montenegro supports the #VjosaNationalParkNow in mid-June!, © Miroslav Jovović
Activist from MSJA, Sačuvajmo Sinjajevinu, Sačuvajmo rijeke Crne Gore, Nature Lovers Montenegro, Centar za zaštitu i proučavanje ptica Crne Gore and River Collective placed the 28m banner in Trg nezavisnosti (Independence Square) in Podgorica.
Activist from MSJA, Sačuvajmo Sinjajevinu, Sačuvajmo rijeke Crne Gore, Nature Lovers Montenegro, Centar za zaštitu i proučavanje ptica Crne Gore and River Collective placed the 28m banner in Trg nezavisnosti (Independence Square) in Podgorica., © Miroslav Jovović
Munich, Germany supports the #VjosaNationalParkNow in mid-June!
Munich, Germany supports the #VjosaNationalParkNow in mid-June!, © Derek Henthorn | Organization: Bianca Mühlhammer, Jens Benöhr
A group of activists demanded the full protection of the Vjosa River by placing the 28m banner in Munich’s Olympic Park.
A group of activists demanded the full protection of the Vjosa River by placing the 28m banner in Munich’s Olympic Park., © Derek Henthorn | Organization: Bianca Mühlhammer, Jens Benöhr
Innsbruck, Austria supports the #VjosaNationalParkNow!
Innsbruck, Austria supports the #VjosaNationalParkNow!, © Harry Putz | organization: Andrina Janicke
On June 1st, 2021 a group of activists placed the banner in the center of the Austrian city Innsbruck
On June 1st, 2021 a group of activists placed the banner in the center of the Austrian city Innsbruck, © Harry Putz | organization: Andrina Janicke
The historic town of Gjirokastra joined the #VjosaNationalParkNowVjosaNationalParkNow action in early April!
The historic town of Gjirokastra joined the #VjosaNationalParkNowVjosaNationalParkNow action in early April!, © Bjant Çami
Activists of Lëvizja VETËVENDOSJE - Qendra në Shqipëri and Green Albania together with EcoAlbania rolled out the slogan in the Open Theatre in Gjirokastra historic center, which is an Unesco World Heritage Sites. Gjirokastra is located along the Drino River, a major tributary of the Vjosa!
Activists of Lëvizja VETËVENDOSJE - Qendra në Shqipëri and Green Albania together with EcoAlbania rolled out the slogan in the Open Theatre in Gjirokastra historic center, which is an Unesco World Heritage Sites. Gjirokastra is located along the Drino River, a major tributary of the Vjosa!, © Bjant Çami
#VjosaNationalParkNow banner on its journey through the Vjosa valley. Here in the picturesque town of Tepelena in early April.
#VjosaNationalParkNow banner on its journey through the Vjosa valley. Here in the picturesque town of Tepelena in early April., © Adrian Guri
#VjosaNationalParkNow in Tepelena
#VjosaNationalParkNow in Tepelena, © Adrian Guri
The town Përmet on the Vjosa's banks joined the #VjosaNationalParkNow action in early April
The town Përmet on the Vjosa's banks joined the #VjosaNationalParkNow action in early April, © Adrian Guri
#VjosaNationalParkNow in Përmet
#VjosaNationalParkNow in Përmet, © Adrian Guri
The Vjosa National Park visual action was initially carried out in four capital cities in Europe on World Water Day 2021. Eiffel Tower in Paris/France
The Vjosa National Park visual action was initially carried out in four capital cities in Europe on World Water Day 2021. Eiffel Tower in Paris/France, © Sébastien Champeaux
Tirana University /Albania
Tirana University /Albania, © Adrian Guri
EU Commission in Brussels/Belgium
EU Commission in Brussels/Belgium, © Alexander Louvet/Powershoots
Brandenburger Tor in Berlin/Germany
Brandenburger Tor in Berlin/Germany, © Paul Buske
Getting ready for the action in Paris
Getting ready for the action in Paris, © Julien Alauzen
Despite heavy winds
Despite heavy winds, © Sébastien Champeaux
Paris: Making-of
Paris: Making-of, © Sébastien Champeaux
Paris: Making-of
Paris: Making-of, © Sébastien Champeaux
Proud Paris team
Proud Paris team, © Sébastien Champeaux
Eiffel Tower for Vjosa!
Eiffel Tower for Vjosa!, © Sébastien Champeaux
Tirana: Making-of
Tirana: Making-of, © Moris Rama
Tirana: Making-of – the action took place at the University of Tirana
Tirana: Making-of – the action took place at the University of Tirana, © Moris Rama
Lots of press at the Tirana action
Lots of press at the Tirana action, © Moris Rama
Looking good!
Looking good!, © Adrian Guri
University of Tirana for Vjosa
University of Tirana for Vjosa, © Adrian Guri
Berlin: Making-of – windy conditions here as well
Berlin: Making-of – windy conditions here as well, © Paul Buske
Berlin: Making-of
Berlin: Making-of, © Paul Buske
Proud Berlin team
Proud Berlin team, © Paul Buske
Another city done!
Another city done!, © Paul Buske
Brandenburger Tor for Vjosa!
Brandenburger Tor for Vjosa!, © Paul Buske
Brussels: Making-Of
Brussels: Making-Of, © Alexander Louvet/Powershoots
Strong rain during the Brussels action – at least the fabric wasn’t blown away
Strong rain during the Brussels action – at least the fabric wasn’t blown away, © Alexander Louvet/Powershoots
Brussels: Making-Of
Brussels: Making-Of, © Alexander Louvet/Powershoots
EU Commission for Vjosa!
EU Commission for Vjosa!, © Alexander Louvet/Powershoots

On the occasion of  World Water Day 2021, we released a series of photos capturing the words Vjosa National Park Now cloaking the foreground of globally recognised monuments in Paris, Berlin, Brussels, and Tirana. With this visual action we are targeting the attention of European and Albanian politicians, urging them to declare the Vjosa in Albania Europe’s first Wild River National Park. The historical designation is of international significance as it would safeguard 300km of rivers and streams, host to over 1,100 species, many of which are threatened.

Following the World Water Day action, we sent the letters around the world, to show decision makers that people all over the world are demanding the protection of the Vjosa river by hosting the ‘Vjosa National Park NOW’ letters in their countries. We won’t back down until the Albanian government legally establishes the entire length of the Vjosa and her tributaries as Europe’s first Wild River National Park. Find more info HERE

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