In a significant victory for environmental conservation, Albania's Vjosa River has been designated as a national park, protecting it from a proposed dam project that threatened local ecosystems and communities.
The Vjosa, often referred to as Europe’s last wild river, stretches from the Pindos Mountains in Greece to the Adriatic Sea, flowing freely without dams or concrete barriers. This new national park encompasses 20,000 hectares and is home to over 1,100 species of plants and animals.
Local activists, including farmer Yili Dervishi, played a crucial role in opposing the dam, which would have submerged vital agricultural lands. With the park's establishment, the focus shifts to sustainable tourism as a means to support the local economy.
Olsi Nika, president of the conservation organization ECOAlbania, emphasizes the importance of preserving the river's natural state while promoting ecotourism, hoping to avoid the overdevelopment seen in other coastal areas.
Despite the park's designation, challenges remain, including pollution and the need for infrastructure improvements to support sustainable tourism. However, the commitment to protecting the Vjosa offers a hopeful future for both the local community and the planet's biodiversity.