We are happy to invite you to the opening event of an unusual international protest action: the opening event of the BALKAN RIVERS TOUR, April 16th 10:00 to 12:00, Bohinj Lake, Slovenia.

For the first time, a group of kayakers from all over Europe will paddle rivers from Slovenia to Albania. With this tour they want to protest against the dam tsunami that is threatening Balkan rivers and to raise awareness about their beauty. Led by Slovenian former Olympic athlete Rok Rozman, they will paddle 16 rivers in 6 countries in 35 days.

If you want to know more about this tour, about the dam tsunami or why the tour starts on the Sava river, join the press conference at the opening event on April 16.

Facebook-Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/989425597802277/

Saturday, April 16 10:00 Press conference at Bohinj Lake: Hostel pod Voglom (Ribčev Laz 60, SI-4265 Bohinjsko jezero).

Speakers: Ulrich Eichelman (Riverwatch), Martin Šolar (WWF Adria), Rok Rozman (Leeway Collective), Theresa Schiller (EuroNatur) and Neža Posnjak (Save the Blue Heart of Europe). 11:30 Photo opportunity with kayakers and banners on Bohinj Lake.

12:00 Official start of the Balkan Rivers Tour

Following the start, more fun events are planned, including a film screening and a wild party for wild rivers: full Sava program

Background of the tour The Balkan Rivers Tour is an activity organized within the framework of the “Save the Blue Heart of Europe” campaign. Without any regard for protected areas, endangered species or local communities, about 2,700 hydropower plants are projected to be built between Slovenia and Albania. We want to stop this dam tsunami. www.balkanriverstour.com www.balkanrivers.net/en/balkan-rivers-tour

Contacts Neža Posnjak (Blue Heart), neza.posnjak@gmail.com, +386 31 549 055 Cornelia Wieser (Riverwatch), cornelia.wieser@riverwatch.eu, +43 650 4544784 Katharina Grund (EuroNatur), katharina.grund@euronatur.org, +49 7732 927210