River in focus: Vjosa River

Country: Albania

Local partners: EcoAlbania, PPNEA, LUMI

Project goal: To safeguard the integrity of the Vjosa River and the Vjosa Wild River National Park by ensuring that the Albanian government enforces the management plan, halts harmful activities, and addresses all ongoing threats within the park, including gravel extraction, waste dumping, and damaging construction projects.

Background

Originating as the Aoos River in Greece and flowing untamed from the Pindus Mountains at the Greek border to the Adriatic Sea in Albania, the Vjosa River is one of Europe’s last wild and free-flowing rivers. It winds for over 270 kilometres through dynamic channels, gravel islands, and wetlands, creating a rich mosaic of habitats that sustain more than 1,100 species—including many that are rare or endemic to the area. Beyond its ecological importance, the Vjosa supports traditional livelihoods and forms a vital part of Albania’s cultural identity.

In March 2023, after years of tireless advocacy, the Vjosa Wild River National Park was declared—the first of its kind in Europe. This historic milestone marked the culmination of a decade-long campaign led by local communities, scientists, and activists, transforming the Vjosa into a global symbol of river protection. In 2024, the river gained further recognition through its inclusion in UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, underlining the landscape’s global ecological and cultural significance. Together, these designations form a powerful commitment to preserve the Vjosa as wild, both in law and in spirit.

Ongoing threats

Despite these major victories and protection against hydropower development, the Vjosa remains under serious threat. Decades of gravel extraction, pollution from bitumen and oil operations, untreated sewage, and unsustainable water abstraction continue to degrade the river and its tributaries. These ongoing activities jeopardise the ecological integrity of the newly established national park and undermine the very purpose of its creation.

Furthermore, the Vlora International Airport project poses a grave and immediate threat. The airport is being constructed within the Vjosa-Narta Protected Area, a key wetland ecosystem of international importance. The site is home to over 200 bird species (including endangered ones), and plays a critical role in the migratory bird flyway along the Adriatic. Construction began in late 2021, before environmental impact assessments and permits were fully completed. If the airport continues without major changes, its impact could reverse conservation gains made so far.

How we are taking action

Together with local partners and communities, EcoAlbania, EuroNatur, Riverwatch, LUMI and PPNEA continue to defend the integrity of the Vjosa. As watchdogs, we closely monitor developments that could harm the river or weaken its protection, holding authorities accountable and ensuring promises are translated into action. Our work focuses on:

• Advocacy and accountability: Calling on the Albanian government to enforce environmental laws and designations, halt illegal activities, and take visible steps to address pollution and habitat degradation.
• Scientific monitoring: Supporting research to document biodiversity and track changes in river health, providing the evidence needed for stronger protection.
• International outreach: Raising awareness through media campaigns, partnerships, and policy advocacy to ensure the Vjosa remains a living symbol of wild river conservation.