Story | 29 Jun, 2023
Vjosa, a National Park in the making
A number of national and international experts and relevant authorities visited the Vjosa River Valley in Albania on a study tour this June, making the first steps towards building an effectively conserved and managed, and equitably governed Vjosa Wild River National Park.
Story | 09 Jun, 2023
BRIDGE 5 - IUCN strengthens collaboration and exchange in the Medjerda basin
On Monday 29 May 2023, the launch of the BRIDGE 5 Project on the governance of the Medjerda River Basin brought together more than 30 stakeholders, representing the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture, Hydraulic Resources and Maritime Fisheries, and the Civil society in…
Story | 05 May, 2023
Western Balkan Officials on Nature-based Solutions Study Tour to Bonn
Four days of diverse, interesting, and interactive activities brought together decision-makers, practitioners, and policymakers from the Western Balkans and representatives from affiliated UN and government institutions to the City of Bonn to exchange and explore the role of Nature-based…
Story | 02 May, 2023
IUCN shows its commitment towards sustainable tourism at a key moment for nature in Albania
After the successful declaration of Vjosa Wild River National Park, Albania faces the challenge to reconcile tourism growth with the preservation of vulnerable natural areas, particularly in coastal zones. To help position Albania as a global leading destination for sustainable tourism, IUCN-Med…
Brochure | 2022
IUCN SADC Transfrontier Conservation Area Financing Facility Fact Sheet
The SADC TFCA Financing Facility (TFCA FF) is a regional fund established to provide sustainable funding for conservation and management actions in Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The Facility is managed by IUCN – Eastern and…
Press release | 15 Mar, 2023
Vjosa, one of our last wild rivers, becomes Europe's first Wild River National Park
Today, the Vjosa River in Albania, one of the last wild rivers of Europe is declared a National Park by the Albanian Government, becoming the first Wild River National Park in Europe. In future, the Vjosa will be conserved as a living, free-flowing river, to the benefit of people and nature.…
Story | 13 Feb, 2023
Commitments to save the Blue Heart of Europe
Freshwater conservation was in the focus at the CBD COP15 Biodiversity Summit in Montreal, when IUCN hosted a side event on “Conserving the Vjosa-Aoos River”, with participation of Mr. Ryan Gellert, CEO Patagonia, H.E. Dr Mirela Kumbaro, Minister of Tourism and Environment, Albania, H.E. Mr.
Story | 13 Feb, 2023
Vision, roadmap and feasibility study presented for pioneering freshwater conservation in Albania
A vision, roadmap and feasibility study for the protection of the Vjosa River and its free-flowing tributaries under the IUCN Category II management classification, have been presented
Story | 01 Feb, 2023
SADC TFCA Financing Facility - stories from the front lines
The year 2022 brought hope for recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. For the first time since the establishment of the Facility in 2020, travel opened up across borders, increasing momentum for the implementation of projects in Transfrontier Conservation Areas, including the TFCA Financing…
Story | 07 Oct, 2022
World Rivers Day 2022: Protecting the free-flowing Aoos-Vjosa River in Greece and Albania
Around this year’s World Rivers Day on 25 September, a number of events and activities were held along the Aoos-Vjosa River in Greece and Albania to promote transboundary collaboration and protection of this unique river system, from its source to the sea.