Transboundary River Forum: A step closer to creating Europe’s first Transboundary Wild River Park, Aoos/Vjosa

A strong message of cooperation between Greece and Albania, with the contribution of scientists, institutional representatives, local communities, and environmental organisations, marked the successful conclusion of the Transboundary River Forum (TRF). The Forum was organised by MedINA, in collaboration with EuroNatur and EcoAlbania, in the framework of the international Save the Blue Heart of Europe campaign, and took place in Ioannina and Konitsa on September 24–27, 2025. At the heart of the Forum lay a shared commitment: the creation of Europe’s first Transboundary Wild River Park, Aoos/Vjosa.

The Transboundary River Forum opened dialogue between institutions, civil society organisations, and, most importantly, gave a voice to local communities to actively participate in decision-making for the management of their rivers. Throughout the Forum, participants emphasised the urgent need for a unified protection status for the Aoos/Vjosa, from its springs to its delta, and the fundamental importance of transboundary cooperation for the river’s protection, conservation, and restoration. They also stressed the cultural and socio-economic value of rivers as ecological corridors for both species and people, and the decisive role of local communities, who must be involved at every step. As noted by Michalis Petrakos, Secretary General of the Municipality of Prespa, and Myrsini Malakou, Director of the Society for the Protection of Prespa: “We began to look at our own place, rather than outward. Local traditional knowledge is of vital importance in environmental management. The ultimate goal, to protect nature, can be achieved – but only if we create a new socio-ecological system with transformed mindsets.” 

River ecosystems face increasing pressures from fragmentation and hydropower development, land-use changes, the climate crisis, and pollution – all of which threaten their ecological integrity. In this context, Manolis Christodoulakis, Member of Parliament for Eastern Attica and Head of the Environment Sector of PASOK-KINAL’s Parliamentary Group, underlined the importance of spatial and environmental planning for sustainable land use planning, noting: “Transboundary rivers should unite us and become fields of cooperation, not conflict”. Giorgos Amyras, Member of Parliament for Ioannina with New Democracy, reported that he recently submitted a parliamentary question regarding the ecological flow of the Aoos Springs dam and assured that a bilateral working group with Albania has been established to promote cooperation towards the creation of the Aoos/Vjosa Transboundary Park.

Alexis Katsaros, Executive Director of MedINA, closed the Forum saying: “This Forum marks a renewed commitment to transboundary rivers that connect, sustain people and nature, and inspire across borders. For the Aoos River, we are hopeful that it will be protected more effectively from now on, through fruitful cross-border collaboration, the active participation of local communities, and the adoption and implementation of a strong institutional framework,” before giving the floor to the Polyphonic Caravan, with Alexandros Lampridis and Aliki Gana leading participants in a unique choral performance.