Late March and early April is the time of the Huchen. It is the period when this fascinating species spawns in gravel rich, free-flowing rivers. The Balkan rivers, like the Sava, Drina, Una, Sana, Kupa, are the last stronghold of this globally threatened species. However, the following photos were recently taken in the Mank, a small river in Austria by Erhard Kraus. 

++ NGOs submit a complaint to the Energy Community against Serbia on the basis of its failure to fully assess the environmental impacts of small hydropower before their construction ++ The four NGOs are raising concerns about how Serbia decides whether or not an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is needed for small hydropower projects (<2 MW) prior to their development.

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.

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?

We at Riverwatch are fighting for the preservation of the last unimpaired rivers as well as for the restoration of those already canalized or dammed. Because rivers are so much more than water. Find out more at www.riverwatch.eu. Produced by Kristof Reuther

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.