Today, let’s dive into nature and environmental conservation as we explore the magnificent Vjosa River in Albania, celebrated as the last wild river in Europe (yes, you read that right!).

What is the Vjosa?

The Vjosa is a 272-kilometer-long river that originates in Greece before winding its way through southern Albania for about 200 kilometers. It flows through stunning canyons and mountains, eventually emptying into the Adriatic Sea. In Greece, it is also known as Aoos, another name for Adonis, the lover of the goddess Aphrodite and a symbol of absolute beauty.
Home to around 1,200 species—including some listed as "critically endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)—the Vjosa stands as a vital ecological haven.
Did you know? Only one-third of the world’s major rivers remain untouched by human intervention, and the Vjosa is the last of its kind in Europe.

Threats: From Dams to Airports

Albania does not produce fossil fuels. As a result, the country relies heavily on hydropower, much like the rest of the Balkans, although solar energy is gaining traction. With Albania’s dependence on a single energy source, hydropower is unsurprisingly overexploited.

Over 40 proposed hydropower projects have faced fierce resistance from Albanian and international activists striving to protect the river’s natural beauty.

One particularly contentious project was an airport planned in the Vjosa Delta, on the site of a former military airfield. This area, now home to nearly 200 bird species, serves as a crucial stopover for thousands of migratory birds traveling between Europe and Africa. To halt this development, a coalition of 33 organizations from over 25 countries signed a letter addressed to Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, the European Commission, and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The government justified the project by citing the need to boost tourism revenues in a country where average monthly salaries rarely exceed €500.
But this time, nature prevailed, and the project was scrapped. For more details, here’s the full letter: https://tourduvalat.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/MAW-Letters_Vjosa-Narta.pdf

A Decade-Long Fight

For over 10 years, various organizations have been fighting to preserve the river in its pristine state.

From 2010 to 2015, locals and associations quietly conducted extensive studies on the Vjosa to build a solid case for its protection against hydropower projects.

Gaining International Attention

Leonardo DiCaprio, known for his environmental advocacy (though yes, he’s been spotted on yachts from time to time), lent his voice to the cause. Through his social media, he raised awareness and celebrated the campaign’s milestones.

In 2021, outdoor apparel brand Patagonia, founded by climber Yvon Chouinard, released a film showcasing the Vjosa’s breathtaking beauty and the relentless efforts of local communities to safeguard it from hydropower projects.

A Unique Status

Advocates campaigned for the river to be designated a national park. Initially, the Prime Minister resisted, claiming this would harm the livelihoods of thousands. Activists countered, arguing that it would instead promote sustainable agriculture and ecotourism—an industry already booming in Albania.

After a decade-long struggle, the efforts bore fruit in 2023. The Albanian government declared the Vjosa and its tributaries the first-ever "Wild River National Park" in Europe, granting it the highest level of protection available for a natural park. This status safeguards the Vjosa from hydropower dams and other environmentally damaging projects while protecting over 1,000 species.

The park now offers opportunities for hiking, swimming, rafting, and even camping for the adventurous.

In Conclusion…

As you can see, the fight for the Vjosa was far from smooth sailing (pun intended), but the outcome has been worth every effort.
If you’re traveling to Albania and care about environmental conservation, consider visiting a town or village near the Vjosa. For instance, explore Qesarat, where the river widens, or visit the Brataj Bridge. The more visitors the Vjosa attracts, the more hesitant policymakers will be to exploit it for purely economic purposes in the future.

Feel free to reach out if you’d like help planning a personalized trip to Albania!