Late March and early April is the time of the Huchen. It is the period when this fascinating species spawns in gravel rich, free-flowing rivers. The Balkan rivers, like the Sava, Drina, Una, Sana, Kupa, are the last stronghold of this globally threatened species. However, the following photos were recently taken in the Mank, a small river in Austria by Erhard Kraus. 

Example of the reality of small hydro, the MHE Ravni na Pristavaci close to Užice/Serbia © Amel Emric

++ NGOs submit a complaint to the Energy Community against Serbia on the basis of its failure to fully assess the environmental impacts of small hydropower before their construction ++ The four NGOs are raising concerns about how Serbia decides whether or not an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is needed for small hydropower projects (<2 MW) prior to their development.

The international and Albanian freshwater science community raise their voices to warn of the severe consequences of the proposed dams on the Vjosa (and her tributaries). Listen to the many aspects of concern, including erosion of the coastline, loss of biodiversity, threat of dam break due to earthquake-prone area, loss of economic income and many more. Will the Albanian government listen to science?

Great honor for Stara Planina Defenders! They receive the "Most Exceptional Team Award 2019" © Dušan Bodiroga

Last Friday, the Serbian citizen activist group “Let´s Defend Rivers of Stara Planina” received a special honor: at the National Theater in Belgrade, they were awarded the “Most Exeptional Team Award 2019” at the Extraordinary People Event. The group has been fighting against dozens hydropower development int the nature park Stara Planina for years and has stopped many.

The village of Kutë don't want the Vjosa dammed. They are resisting the hydropower project. ©  Andreas Götz

We need your help!! Donate to the project and help to show that there is no need indeed for dams on Vjosa. Most of the villagers’ arable land would be drowned in the proposed dam reservoir. Instead, they can produce their own energy on their roofs, creating more income for the community, and save Europe’s last wild river at the same time! DONATE HERE

The team of EuroNatur is looking for Blue Heart support © Gerald Jarausch

Are you looking for an exciting job in saving the Blue Heart of Europe? Do you speak German and English? Are you willing to travel within Europe? Is river conservation dear to your heart? Then maybe you are just who we are looking for! Since 2013, EuroNatur and Riverwatch are leading the campaign “Save the Blue Heart of Europe” for the protection of Balkan rivers. Now, we are seeking a new member at EuroNatur for the international coordination team.

Prof. Robert J. Naiman at the International Wild Rivers Science Symposium in Tirana © Becky Holladay

Find here all presentations of the International Wild Rivers Science Symposium and the Wild Rivers Night! Renowned scientists from USA, Japan and many European countries discussed the state of the world’s wild rivers and stress the urgency to protect the last free-flowings.

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