Bern Convention reports no progress on key river protection cases in the Balkans

Bern Convention Reports No Progress on Key River Protection Cases in the Balkans

At its December 2025 meeting in Strasbourg, the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention reviewed three long-standing cases threatening Europe’s most valuable river ecosystems: hydropower development in Mavrovo National Park (North Macedonia), construction of Vlora International Airport in the Vjosa–Narta Protected Landscape (Albania), and impacts of hydropower on the Neretva River (Bosnia and Herzegovina). In all three cases, the Committee expressed concern over ongoing environmental impacts and the lack of full implementation of its recommendations.

Find the Bern Convention Standing Committee’s List of Decisions and adopted Texts

Mavrovo National Park in North-Macedonia

The Mavrovo case concerning hydropower development within the national park has been open since 2014. Despite repeated recommendations, no tangible progress has been achieved. Hydropower concessions remain in place, and there is still no legal ban on hydropower construction in protected areas, contrary to international standards. The park has not been officially re-proclaimed, and a Management Plan has not been established.

The Committee urged North Macedonia to strengthen environmental legislation, ensure all impact assessments meet international standards, and guarantee public participation. It highlighted the need for ongoing cooperation with civil society and stakeholders, noting initiatives such as the October 2025 International Nature Conference in Skopje. Progress on species conservation was noted, with the government preparing a Draft Regional Strategy for the Balkan Lynx, though funding remains lacking. Given the seriousness of the issues, the Committee mandated an on-the-spot appraisal in 2026 and called for progress reports, emphasising that a legal ban on hydropower in protected areas is essential for Mavrovo’s long-term protection.

Vlora Airport and Vjosa–Narta, Albania

For the third consecutive year, the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention has called on the Albanian government to halt construction of Vlora International Airport in the Vjosa–Narta Protected Landscape. Despite repeated instructions to suspend works and conduct a new Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), construction continues, including test flights, threatening sensitive bird species and habitats. The Vjosa–Narta area is one of Albania’s most important ecosystems, hosting over 220 bird species and forming part of the Adriatic Flyway.

The Bern Convention stressed that any mitigation, restoration, or operation measures must be based on comprehensive and legally compliant environmental assessments that consider cumulative impacts on habitats and species. Cooperation with civil society organisations, including EcoAlbania and PPNEA, remains essential to support effective conservation.

The Convention noted that full compliance with its recommendations would also help Albania meet key EU accession requirements. The file remains open, and both parties have been requested to provide updates to the Bureau in 2026. The Bern Convention continues to emphasise the urgent need to protect this unique river ecosystem from irreversible damage.

Neretva River, Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Committee reviewed potential negative impacts of hydropower on the Neretva River, focusing on the fully operational Ulog hydropower plant and planned small hydropower projects upstream. While no new construction has occurred in the upper Neretva, the Committee expressed concern about hydropeaking operations at Ulog and a fish kill incident in September 2025, caused by the dam’s operations. Authorities were urged to cease hydropeaking, monitor ecological indicators such as oxygen, water temperature, and organic matter, and maintain remaining sections of the Neretva as pristine as possible. The Committee also welcomed initiatives to establish new protected areas, including the proposed Prenj aea. The file remains open, with progress reports due in Spring 2026.