Mavrovo National Park in North Macedonia is a hotspot of biodiversity. Hydro power plants threaten this diversity. © Theresa Schiller

Another victory for free-flowing rivers inside Mavrovo National Park

Oct 04, 2019 /

In Mavrovo National Park, the construction permits for two small hydropower plants on the Zirovnicka River have been officially annulled, after the concession process for another project on the same river was cancelled in May. The decision was taken after a review request submitted by Front 21/42, our partner organization in North Macedonia, right after the investor announced the start of the construction.

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Save the Date: International Wild River Science Symposium and Wild Rivers Night

Sep 11, 2019 /

SAVE THE DATE: One day - two events for free rivers! We are pleased to announce the International Wild River Science Symposium and the Wild Rivers Night in Tirana/Albania on October 18th, 2019. The symposium will bring together renowned scientists from around the world. The symposium will end in an entertaining evening event with selected talks and live music.

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© Sandra Josovic

Reversal of subsidies for wind power in BiH prompts legal action

Sep 06, 2019 /

With the halting of the incentive scheme for wind farms in March, the destructive technology of small hydropower is now the only renewable source of energy receiving significant support in the Republika Srpska entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. While providing a minimal contribution to overall electricity generation, small hydropower causes enormous damage to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s communities, economy and unique biodiversity.

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Even the youngest residents fight for their rivers, here in North Macedonia © Front 21/42

Wave of protest against Balkan dam building frenzy

Jul 16, 2019 /

++ First ever international Action Weeks for Balkan Rivers ++ People took to the streets in many countries of the Balkan region ++ They protested against the destruction of the last wild river landscapes in Europe ++ From July 6 to 16, 2019 around 1000 people took part in protests in Albania, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Slovenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Greece against hydropower expansion on the Balkan rivers.

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The Vjosa's mouth into die Adriatic Sea. Once sediments are being trapped behind the projected dam walls, significant coastal erosion would be the result. © Piotr Bednarek / Wolne Rzeki

New Vjosa study: hardly any energy, no sand for the beach

Jun 28, 2019 /

++ Sediment study of the University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU) proves serious consequences of the planned power plants on the Vjosa ++ For over a year, scientists from the University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU) have been studying the sediment transport of the Vjosa river for different high and low water phases

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At the official presentation of our vision for the future of the Vjosa – Europe’s first Wild River National Park – on June 6th (Vjosa Day) © Ogerta Ujkashi

Vision for Vjosa: Europe’s 1st Wild River National Park!

Jun 27, 2019 /

Recently, we presented our vision for Europe´s first Wild River National Park, protecting the Vjosa and her tributaries along her entire course in Albania from source to sea, instead of destroying it with dams. However, the idea only works if free-flow and connectivity is preserved. Read OUR FACTSHEET to learn about possible borders, sizes and how this Wild River National Park could be implemented!

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Watch 'Blue Heart' online for free!

Jun 25, 2019 /

Have you seen ‘Blue Heart’ yet? No? Well, it’s your lucky day, because it is now available for free on youtube – with subtitles in 11 languages!  The documentary “Blue Heart”, produced by Farm League on behalf of Patagonia, follows our campaign and other, local stakeholders through the Balkans to document the crime committed on Europe’s last river jewels and on communities who live by them.

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Action Weeks for Balkan Rivers in July

Jun 18, 2019 /

Thousands of people are affected by the projected dam tsunami in the Balkans. Many of them are fighting back – they are determined to protect their river, whatever the cost - “We give our life, but not our river” is a common attitude. Together we are stronger - we must support and unite them in their fight, tell their stories and protest with them in solidarity. Join us at the Balkan-wide Action Weeks in July!

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