Blue Heart campaign partners named to the 2026 TIME100 Next list

In a major victory for Balkan river conservation, Albanian environmental activists Olsi Nika (Executive Director of EcoAlbania) and Besjana Guri (Founder and Executive Director of LUMI) have both been named to the prestigious 2026 TIME100 Next list. TIME’s annual feature recognises 100 emerging leaders shaping the future across activism, science, and public life globally.

Guri and Nika, both long-time key partners in the international Save the Blue Heart of Europe campaign, were selected for their relentless, decade-long dedication to defending the Vjosa River. Their joint efforts were instrumental in mobilising local communities, scientists, and international support, culminating in the historic creation of the Vjosa Wild River National Park in 2023.

This recognition follows their joint 2025 Goldman Environmental Prize (the "Green Nobel"), where they became the first Albanians to receive the honour. Today, both campaign partners continue to lead vital frontline battles in the Vjosa River Basin and the Albanian Alps. 

"Being named to the TIME100 Next brings renewed attention to the work we have been doing for years to protect the Vjosa," said Besjana Guri. "For me, this recognition is motivation to keep going; the fight to protect our rivers and natural ecosystems is far from over."

“Together with EcoAlbania and many others, we helped establish Europe’s first wild river national park. But a declaration cannot protect a river on its own...The next chapter begins now,” Nika said.

By placing two of the campaign's core Albanian leaders on the global stage alongside figures like Joey King and Alex Warren, TIME highlights the power of grassroots community activism in securing lasting protection for the Balkan rivers.