New infrastructure plans will increase flood risk. Zagreb, 19th Sept 2014. While the worst part of the recent floods in the Sava basin seem to be over, it is crucial to analyse their drivers and consider the lessons to be learned. Four facts need to be highlighted in connection with the Sava flood:

Vienna, September 9, 2014. One of Europe‘s oldest national parks shall remain free of new dams. 97,804 people signed a letter of protest against two projected hydropower plants inside the Mavrovo National Park in Macedonia. Today, the petition was handed over to the Macedonian Prime Minister Nicola Gruevski.

Vienna, Radolfzell, August 21, 2014. In the context of the Days of Biodiversity – an initiative of the German GEO magazine – a remarkable field research event took place at the Vjosa river in Albania in mid-June. Results will be published in the latest issue of the GEO magazine, which will be available on August 22.

Vienna, Radolfzell, June 26, 2014. The World Bank Country Unit for Southeast Europe based in Vienna had unusual visitors this morning. Representatives of the environmental NGO Riverwatch handed over a letter of protest - signed by 77,930 people - against the proposed funding of a hydroelectric dam in the Mavrovo National Park in Macedonia. 

Vienna, 10.6.2014. In cooperation with the German GEO magazine, a remarkable event will take place along the Vjosa River in Albania from June 13-15. For three days, 50 to 60 experts will range the Vjosa’s riparian zone and study its animal and plant species.

Tepelena, Radolfzell, May 8, 2014. An unusual press conference is taking place in Albania today. On the gravel islands of the Vjosa River – the last big wild river in Europe – representatives of international and national environmental groups come together with the local mayor and business people in order to propose an idea to save the Vjosa

Vienna, Radolfzell, March 20, 2014. As a contribution to this year’s UN World Water Day (22.3.) on the topic of “Water and Energy”, EuroNatur and Riverwatch draw attention to the impending destruction of rivers on the Balkan Peninsula. Disguised as green sources of energy, more than 570 hydropower plants (> 1 MW) are planned to be built between Slovenia and Albania.

Vienna, Radolfzell, 13/1/2014 One of Europe’s oldest national parks is in danger: two large hydropower plants are to be built in Macedonia’s Mavrovo National Park with the help of international funding. More than a hundred scientists protest against the funding by the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.