The Albanian government has announced that the decision to designate the Vjosa River as a natural park has come into force. This falls short of the maximum level of protection afforded by declaring it a National Park.
The announcement was made by environmental minister Mirela Kumbaro after the decision was initially taken last year.
Under its new designation, building and construction can still take place within its borders but special permission would need to be acquired beforehand. If Vjosa is designated as a National Park, no construction of any kind can be carried out within its borders.
The government have argued that designating it as a National Park would mean they are prevented from carrying out maintenance work or infrastructure work to avoid events such as flooding.
The two HPPs earmarked for within the nature park, in Pocem and Kalivac have been halted following legal action which saw the permits revoked in summer 2021. The case is currently waiting to be appealed which could take another few years.
The new designation of the area would mean that if the appeals court strikes down the previous ruling, they would still be subject to revaluation under the new rules.
Turning the Vjosa area into a National Park has been subject to a long-running international campaign including international stakeholders such as Patagonia and Hollywood actor Leonardo di Caprio. They, along with local organisations and activists, demand that the region is awarded the highest level of protection instead of nature park.
So far, the government has resisted, claiming it needs more time to reach National Park status. Meanwhile, a number of developments are planned for the area asides HPPs. These include an airport, luxury hotels and residences, and there is the matter of a EUR 18 million contract with Shell to explore for oil around the banks of the Vjosa in and around Permet.
Albania’s environmental minister Mirela Kumbaro announced that the government and three environmental organisations have agreed on a “sustainable development model” for the Vjosa before it is designated a National Park. But the environmental groups involved say differently.
In a Twitter post, Kumbaro writes, “One month following the synergy [sic] we held with Leonardo di Caprio, we held discussions with three major organisations regarding Vjosa…we agreed that we need a sustainable development model for Vjosa before we move towards the highest scale of protection granted by the status of National Park.”
She continued that this model would help around 60,000 people who have built their livelihoods around the river and protect the many creatures living in the surrounding habitats.
EcoAlbania, who took part in the conversation, gave Exit a statement on the discussions. Olsi Nika reiterated that “since last February, we have submitted an official proposal to the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, and we continue to support the vision for the declaration of the Vjosa National Park, including its tributaries.”
He continues, “we believe that the national park is the most appropriate category that can ensure the long-term preservation of the natural values, the ecological processes, and the preservation of species and habitats.”
The groups will continue to push for national park status instead of natural park status.
