News

Demand real protection for the Vjosa Wild River National Park

 25.07.2025

National Park status should safeguard the Vjosa. Ask the Albanian government to continue their commitment to this wild place, and ensure the Vjosa Wild River National Park is protected today, tomorrow, and forever. 

North Macedonian Civil Society Calls for Urgent Action to Re-Proclaim Mavrovo National Park

A coalition of 19 civil society organisations has sent a powerful message to the Government of North Macedonia: act now to re-proclaim Mavrovo National Park in compliance with the law.

Mounting pressures threaten Vjosa Wild River National Park – urgent action needed

Two years after its landmark designation in March 2023 as Europe’s first Wild River National Park, the Vjosa River is under continuous pressure from extractive industries, infrastructure expansion, and mismanaged development, putting the park’s ecological integrity and its global conservation value at risk.

Komarnica Dam: Postponed, Not Cancelled

 03.06.2025

The Komarnica River will continue to flow freely through its eponymous canyon - at least for the time being. The project has been temporarily halted, but not cancelled.

Aoos Springs Dam Drains Life from One of Europe’s Last Wild Rivers

The lack of required ecological flow from a hydropower dam in the Greek section of the Aoos/Vjosa River is endangering a unique and fragile ecosystem. A new scientific study underscores the urgent need to establish a minimum flow regime to restore the river’s ecological functions and safeguard its rich biodiversity.

Scientists across Europe oppose hydropower development in Montenegro’s Komarnica Canyon

Delayed environmental review and decision-making raise serious concerns over transparency and governance. Procedural failures and legal shortcuts undermine public trust in Montenegro’s environmental commitments.

Save Komarnica Camp returns this June

POSTPONED: From June 6-8, river defenders will once again gather at Komarnica for a pivotal edition of the Camp on Komarnica. This year's gathering carries special significance, as the campaign to protect the Komarnica River approaches a crucial decision point from the Environmental Protection Agency.

2025 Goldman Environmental Prize for EcoAlbania's Besjana Guri and Olsi Nika

On 21 April 2025, Besjana Guri and Olsi Nika received the renowned 2025 Goldman Environmental Prize. The prize is endowed with 200,000 USD.  They were given the prize for their indispensable commitment to igniting a social movement to establish the Vjosa Wild River National Park, the first of its kind in Europe.

Webinar: Latest findings from the Sarantaporos Science Week

Join us for this webinar to get the newest updates on the Save the Blue Heart of Europe Campaign, dive into the results of the Sarantaporos Science Week 2024 and learn how scientific arguments contribute to the protection of highly intact river systems.

North Macedonia: Legal delays leave protected areas vulnerable to hydropower development

Despite a proposed Nature Protection Law that would ban small hydropower plants in protected areas in North Macedonia, delays have allowed destructive projects to continue—threatening national parks and violating international conservation commitments. What’s standing in the way of stronger protections?

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