Hollywood actor and well known-environmentalist Leonardo di Caprio has welcomed the public commitment from the Albanian government to create the Vjosa National Park, but added that this is just the start of the process.
In June, Prime Minister Edi Rama stated that any economic activity affecting the river would be prohibited and that work was starting to designate the entire river and its immediate surrounding as a National Park, the highest level of protection available, although no timeline was given.
“The government of Albania is one step closer to Europe’s first wild river park after recently partnering with Patagonia to protect the Vjosa river, an effort involving the #SavetheBlueHeartofEurope campaign.
Albania’s Vjosa River is the largest wild river in Europe. The river and its tributaries run untamed from source to sea, creating a biodiverse ecosystem that covers 300 km. It is home to 1,100 species of animals including 13 globally threatened animal and two plant species,” the post reads.
At the press conference announcing the initiative, Rama took the opportunity to take a dig at di Caprio who has publicly criticised the government and plans for the Vjosa. He said, “Leonardo came alive to attack the government but not to help the government.”
Leonardo DiCaprio Calls Again on Albania to Protect Europe’s Last Wild River
He continued that he would not deal with di Caprio any longer, and perhaps word of his criticism would reach him, and he would want to get involved with the work the Albanian government and Patagonia are doing.
As per the agreement, the parties will establish a working group within 30 days to start the planning phase. The park will include visitor centres, rangers, scientific and educational programmes, yielding new opportunities for the river’s communities.
Albanian Government Pledges Vjosa National Park but No Timeline Given
