A number of environmental organizations have launched a campaign to protect the Vjosa River in Albanian from dozens of hydropower plants allowed to be constructed along the river.
On Wednesday, Eco Albania wrote “Vjosa National Park Now” on a mosaic in Tirana’s second main square. It reflects their demand for the Albanian government to stop the construction of dozens of HPPs along the river and protect it by turning it into a national park.
Other European organizations are expected to take the same message to squares across Europe on the occasion of the World Water Day, March 22, according to President Ilir Meta.
Albanian and international environmentalists have proposed the creation of a national park to save the Vjosa River from hydropower plans. They say the park could include an area of 111,600 hectares, which would make it the largest in Albania.
“Vjosa River in Albania is one of the last wild rivers in Europe, with one of the most prominent ecosystems on the continent. Vjosa River is a great gift not only for Albanians, but for all Europeans and beyond,” Michael Succow, a leading German biologist and ecologist wrote an open letter to Prime Minister Edi Rama and EU authorities.
Last year, hundreds of citizens and activists protested against the construction of hydropower plants along the Vjosa River. Environmental groups pressured Albania to save the river.
Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio was among those who repeatedly called for support in asking the Albanian government to stop construction of HPPs along the river.
