Brave Women of Kruščica join forces with residents of the Shushica Valley in fight against water abstraction project

Kuç, July 15, 2024 — In a powerful display of solidarity and resistance, the Brave Women of Kruščica (BiH) visited the Shushica Valley in Albania to support the ongoing fight against the controversial water abstraction project. On July 12, 2024, they formed a symbolic human chain together with the people of the Shushica Valley across the Shushica in front the historic bridge in Brataj. This action was followed by an open-air event in Kuç, a celebration of both Kruščica and Shushica with the participation of the mayors of the valley and local community.

The women of Kruščica gained international recognition for their courageous and determined efforts to protect their river. In 2021, they were honored with the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize and in 2019 with the EuroNatur Prize for their unwavering commitment. For over 500 days, these brave women maintained a 24/7 blockade, successfully preventing the construction of two hydropower plants that threatened their water source. Their peaceful yet powerful resistance became a symbol of grassroots environmental activism, inspiring communities worldwide.

By visiting the Shushica valley, the famous women are putting a spotlight on the destructive water abstraction project on this tributary of the Vjosa – which is part of the Vjosa Wild River National Park. The project, aimed at diverting water to theMediterranean coast in order to meet the demands of large-scale tourism there, hasfaced widespread opposition from local communities and environmental groups.

Months of protests by local communities culminated in a protest in Tirana on May 25th, when a large pipe covered with 1,500 signatures was symbolically placed in front ofPrime Minister Edi Rama’s office. The locals' determination was boosted by the support of the Brave Women of Kruščica.

"We are here to support our brothers and sisters in Shushica Valley and motivate them to stay strong, because we understand the devastating impact these projects can have on communities," said Amela Zukan, one of the faces of the Kruščica movement. "The fight for Shushica is similar to the one for Kruščica. Our rivers are the lifeblood of our lands, and we must protect them for future generations."

“Today, we showcased unity and determination as we stand together against the destruction of our river. We ask Prime Minister Rama to stop this project and listen to the voice of the locals” said Astrit Balilaj, Mayor of Kuç village.

The human chain, symbolizing strength and interconnectedness, served as a poignant reminder of the collective power of grassroots movements in safeguarding natural heritage.

Background information

• The Shushica – including its springs – is an important tributary of the Vjosa and part of Europe's first Wild River National Park since March 2023. With the water abstraction project, the government aims to divert the spring water of the Shushicato the Mediterranean coast in order to meet the demands of large-scale tourism there. The 17 km pipeline from Kuç to Himara is almost completed, however the diversion dam – the most crucial and most destructive infrastructure of the abstraction project – is yet to be built. The project is being financed by the German development bank KfW and the EU (Western Balkans Investment Framework) while the construction work is done by the Austrian STRABAG. This abstraction is not only destructive but also unnecessary. There are ample alternative water sources outside the national park’s boundaries to meet Himara's needs, should it be required. Local communities are determined to prevent the construction of the diversion dam.

• The Vjosa is the last big wild river in Europe outside Russia. Along her course of almost 270 kilometers, the river flows entirely unobstructed from the Pindus Mountains to the Adriatic Sea. In March 2023, after ten years of our campaign, the Albanian government proclaimed Europe’s first Wild River National Park.