Riverwatch CEO talks about the state of European rivers and warns of the impending damming of the river network in the Balkans. Austrian companies and banks are also involved in the expansion of dam projects in protected areas.

POSPONED DUE TO COVID-19!! At the “Dam Removal goes Alps” seminar, we aim to learn from experiences from all over Europe, demonstrate the potential for dismantling in the Alpine region and outline the necessary framework conditions for dam dismantling. Riverwatch CEO Ulrich Eichelmann will present the Altenau in Ostwestfalen as a successful example for dam removal and river restoration.

++ One of the largest science petitions in global freshwater ecology calls to stop Vjosa dam projects in Albania ++ Scientists demand Albanian government to respect scientific standards in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Kalivaç hydropower project ++

The international and Albanian freshwater science community raise their voices to warn of the severe consequences of the proposed dams on the Vjosa (and her tributaries). Listen to the many aspects of concern, including erosion of the coastline, loss of biodiversity, threat of dam break due to earthquake-prone area, loss of economic income and many more. Will the Albanian government listen to science?

World Fish Migration Day 2020 is approaching, a one-day global celebration to improve the public's understanding of the importance of migratory fish and free-flowing rivers and how to reduce our impacts on them. On MAY 16^th, thousands of organizations, schools, aquariums, zoos and communities organize events. Join in!

Last Friday, the Serbian citizen activist group “Let´s Defend Rivers of Stara Planina” received a special honor: at the National Theater in Belgrade, they were awarded the “Most Exeptional Team Award 2019” at the Extraordinary People Event. The group has been fighting against dozens hydropower development int the nature park Stara Planina for years and has stopped many.

We need your help!! Donate to the project and help to show that there is no need indeed for dams on Vjosa. Most of the villagers’ arable land would be drowned in the proposed dam reservoir. Instead, they can produce their own energy on their roofs, creating more income for the community, and save Europe’s last wild river at the same time! DONATE HERE

Lisbon will host the 2^nd edition of the European Rivers Summit, from 19^th to 21^st November 2020. Join us and hundreds of activists and specialists to share knowledge, network and talk about Rivers protection, one of the most endangered ecosystems in the World. Follow us to get all further updates on the European Rivers Summit (ERS) Lisbon 2020.