Wild rivers. They seem a bit like a contradictio in terminis, because after all, all rivers are created by nature. Or at least, that’s how they started. Now that the human species is taking up more and more space, now that we’re in constant need of more ways to create energy, to provide food, to maintain safe roads, our impact on nature is increasing with the day. Most rivers nowadays are therefore in some way being shaped, being contained by men. And in Europe, that’s even all but one.
That very last European wild river is located in Albania and is called the Vjosa. Maybe you’ve never heard about it but if you’re a bit ecologically-minded, chances are that name rings a bell. Indeed, for years now, there’s been a discussion about the fate of the Vjosa. Some wanted to protect it, others wanted to preserve just the beginning of the river and there were even people who wanted to exploit it by building hydroelectric power sources. Now, however, things are finally (almost) done. The Vjosa will be protected, it will remain a wild river and there will even be a national park surrounding it.
Some of the people at the very heart of the campaign were Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama and former President Ilir Meta. They were being supported in their efforts by environmental groups such as EcoAlbania, Riverwatch and EuroNatur but even clothing brand Patagonia joined the troops. On the other side were developers, looking to make a profit by exploiting the Vjosa, mainly by building dams so they would be able to generate electricity from its water.
First step
Now, Prime Minister Edi Rama has pledged that any economic activity affecting the river would be prohibited in the future. In order to make things a little more official while the world waits for its official National Park-status, the Albanian government has signed a memorandum of understanding with international company Patagonia in which it promises to protect the Vjosa and its very rich ecosystem.
“Patagonia has what it takes as we need the know-how and experience in the protection area. It might seem easy to make a National Park, but it is challenging as it flows through the body of Albania”, Rama stated.
The Vjosa is the last wild river which will not enter the circus of the energy system. Other rivers have become like circus dogs and cats that produce energy. Vjosa will produce a future in another form.
Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania
With the memorandum, a big step has been taken already towards the protection of the area. And while we’re impatient for the river (and some of its tributaries) to obtain the official status, we’re already planning a trip to Albania in the meantime.
