Key basins and aquifers for biodiversity and ecological services - Vjosa River

The overall goal of this strategy for the Aoos/ Vjosa is to ensure the long-term conservation of this so far almost undisturbed river course through achieving full legal protection and to prevent any further impact to the river dynamics through hydropower development or river deviation.

We propose a multifaceted action plan including mobilizing and empowering the local population, advocacy and legal action, knowledge and awareness, capacity development and the preparation of a concrete concept for protecting the river course and as much surface as possible of the catchment as a Wild River National Park.

By 2022, it is expected that the hydropower development threats that affect the river course of Aoos/ Vjosa are significantly reduced or eliminated. It is expected that the site is legally protected, both under national and international legislation. It is also expected that no projects with regard to river deviation (especially in Greece) will happen and further degradation of habitats will be halted. Furthermore, it is expected that the natural dynamic of the river with all its relevant habitats and species will be safeguarded. A significant part of the action plan is devoted to the development of a concept of Wild River Aoos/ Vjosa National Park and it will be proposed as a clear alternative to the destruction of the river through hydropower.
Key assumption behind this approach are that there is willingness of especially local key stakeholders to support the anti-dam vision for Aoos/ Vjosa catchment as well as the pro national park vision, both at national and transboundary levels.
Main risks lie with the inertia of stakeholders to take a proactive role in the process and the reluctance of authorities to stop already approved hydropower projects, but in the contrary to approve more.