Michael Succow, a German biologist, ecologist and environmental activist, has criticized the Albanian Government’s plan to build about 30 new HPPs along Vjosa river, considering them a threat to the ecosystem.
In an open letter to Prime Minister Edi Rama and EU authorities, published by Deutsche Welle, the winner of the Right Livelihood Award, known as the Alternative Nobel Prize for environmental protection, urged them to designate the Vjosa River area a protected national park,
“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,” the 79-year-old ecologist wrote.
Succow called on the European Union and member states to support Albania with funds and expertise in its goal to create the first national park of the last wild river in Europe.
“Climate change will have a particularly strong impact on Europe’s river systems. Near-natural rivers can best adapt to this. It is therefore essential to protect Europe’s last remaining intact rivers from human intervention” he has stated earlier.
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.
In September 2020, Edi Rama wrote on Twitter that hydropower plants on the Vjosa would not be built. Three months later, he approved the new boundaries of protected areas, which still allow for the construction of HPPs along the Vjosa River.
