Save the Blue Heart of Europe - A campaign for the protection of Balkan Rivers
Campaign
Balkan Rivers
The Threat
For years, the secret of Europe's last pristine rivers has been known only to insiders—riverine communities, NGOs, fly fishers, and kayakers but this natural wonder is under threat. Plans to build thousands of hydropower plants endanger these rivers. Even the most valuable river stretches, some within national parks and other protected areas, are not spared.
According to our most recent data update from 2022, 3,281 hydropower plants are projected to be built across the project region, on top of 1726 existing ones and 108 under construction. This development, often supported by businesses and loans from the EU and beyond, threatens the Blue Heart of Europe.
This is what it looks like on a map:
Save the Blue Heart of Europe
To combat the threat of hydropower, NGOs EuroNatur and Riverwatch launched the Save the Blue Heart of Europe campaign in cooperation with local partners across the Balkans. The campaign began with two pioneering studies assessing the state of Balkan rivers and their unique biodiversity. Since then, the campaign has expanded its efforts, significantly enhancing the understanding of these ecosystems. Through ongoing research, fieldwork, and collaborations with local communities and scientists, we have deepened our knowledge of the region’s ecological value.
The state of Blue Heart rivers
We assessed the hydromorphology, or structural intactness, of approximately 80,537 kilometres of rivers across the Balkan Peninsula. The findings were astonishing: 37% of these rivers are in pristine or near natural condition, and another 51% are in slightly or moderately modified condition. This means approximately 88% of the examined river kilometres are in very good, good, or acceptable morphological condition. In contrast, many rivers in the rest of Europe have been heavily modified by activities such as dam construction and river regulation, leading to poorer conditions.
On a hydromorphology map, the status quo of the Balkan rivers looks like this:
The biodiversity within Blue Heart rivers
The Balkan rivers boast some of the continent's highest concentrations of endangered and endemic species, accounting for 28% of Europe's endangered fish. Remarkably, 69 fish species found here exist nowhere else on the planet. Additionally, 40% of Europe's threatened mollusc species inhabit these waters, highlighting the region as a critical hotspot for these vulnerable animals.
However, if dams are built, approximately 10% of Europe's freshwater fish species are at risk, with 108 out of 113 regional species potentially facing extinction or severe endangerment. This includes iconic species like the Danube Salmon (Hucho hucho), whose largest remaining populations are nestled within these rivers.
The ecological significance of the Balkan rivers extends beyond known species. Recent discoveries, such as a new caddis fly species, suggest a wealth of undiscovered biodiversity yet to be documented. Protecting the Balkan rivers is thus not only crucial for preserving existing biodiversity but also for safeguarding the potential discovery of new species integral to Europe's natural heritage.
Find photos here: Gallery "Biodiversity Hotspot"
Our Mission
We are unequivocally opposed to any dam projects in the Balkans. With the help of activists, lawyers, scientists, artists, local partners and communities, we aim to prevent destruction by preserving the most ecologically valuable rivers, as outlined in our Eco-Masterplan. These rivers are crucial for biodiversity and hold deep cultural significance for local communities. Conserving these natural treasures can achieve sustainable economic development.
In over ten years of campaigning, together, we have made significant strides in protecting the Balkan rivers. We have:
- Stopped destructive projects: Prevented hundreds of harmful hydropower plants, primarily through legal means, direct action, and protests by local communities.
- Created long-lasting protection: Achieved Europe’s first Wild River National Park, protecting the Vjosa River in Albania.
- Raised awareness: Increased international awareness about the importance of these rivers.
- Initiated political change: Spurred political shifts towards river protection in several Balkan countries.
- Motivated action: Inspired more people to stand up for their natural treasures.
Key areas and partners:
Since the “Save the Blue Heart of Europe” campaign began in 2012, we have focussed on the following key areas:
- Vjosa River in Albania. Local partner: EcoAlbania
- Mavrovo National Park in North Macedonia. Local partner: Eko-svest
- Rivers of Bosnia & Herzegovina. Local partners: Fondacija Atelje za društvene promjene - ACT, Centar za životnu sredinu / Center for Environment, and Aarhus center Sarajevo
- Sava River in Slovenia. Local partner: Društvo za preučevanje rib Slovenije (DPRS) - Slovenian Native Fish Society
- Rivers of Serbia. Local partner: Pravo na vodu
- Rivers in Kosovo. Local partners: EcoZ
- Rivers in Montenegro. Local partners: Montenegin Ecologists' Society - CDE
Our other partners are ClientEarth, CEE Bankwatch Network, Patagonia, Manfred-Hermsen-Stiftung, and many more over the years.
Our continued goals are:
- Raise Public Awareness: Highlight the ecological values and vulnerabilities of Balkan rivers.
- Stop Dam Projects: Prevent dam construction in the four key areas.
- Create long-lasting protection: Establish robust, legally binding protections for other ecologically valuable rivers, ensuring their preservation.
- Improve Biodiversity Knowledge: Enhance understanding of biodiversity crucial for ecological connectivity and endemism.
Save the Blue Heart of Europe!
Neretva (Bosnia & Herzegovina). Photo: A. Vorauer