Thomas Waitz, Member of the European Parliament of the Greens, invited politicians, river conservationists and media representatives to the EU Parliament in Brussels. © Jason Alden/Patagonia

EU parliament hosts Save the Blue Heart of Europe debate

Jul 03, 2018 /

On Wednesday 27 June, a Save the Blue Heart of Europe debate and film screening was held at the EU Parliament, to an audience of policymakers, media and NGOs. The issue of protecting the Balkan Rivers from the threat of 3,000 proposed HPPs was debated, along with the question: What role can the EU play to ensure a win-win scenario by safeguarding nature and leading the region’s low-carbon future?

Balkanrivers
On-the-spot appraisal at the Vjosa. This is where the hydropower plant Pocem is projected to be built. © EuroNatur

Bern Convention visits Vjosa in Albania

Jun 20, 2018 /

++ Representatives of the Bern Convention emphasize the conservation value of the river ++ Albanian Government signs concession contracts for HPP Kalivac nevertheless ++ Representatives of the Bern Convention visited the Vjosa in order to investigate to which extent plans for hydropower development are jeopardizing the objectives of the Bern Convention. The on-the-spot appraisal was accompanied by an independent expert.

Balkanrivers
The brave women of Kruščica have stood guard on the access bridge, 24 hours a day, for over 300 days, in order to prevent construction of a hydropower plant © Andrew Burr

Brave women of Kruščica win court case against dam construction

Jun 15, 2018 /

A major court victory has been won by the Brave Women of Kruščica, a group of activists protecting their river from the threat of dam construction. The competent court in BiH this week ruled that the environmental permit for dam construction should be annulled immediately, meaning that any further construction work on the proposed dam is illegal.

Balkanrivers

Blue Heart Screening in Vienna on June 19

Jun 12, 2018 /

The film ‘Blue Heart’ will be screened in the Hafenkneipe in Vienna on June 19th, at 9pm. The event is organized by SöRF FiLM FEST - open air and with free admission! However, there will be a donation box for the benefit of Riverwatch and the fight against the destruction of rivers in the Balkans.

General
For the ninth year in a row, activists protested at the sources of the river Sana. This year they demand that the sources of Sana should be proclaimed Monument of Nature. © Viktor Bjelic

The source of the Sana must be proclaimed as Monument of Nature

Jun 11, 2018 /

Once again, Blue Heart partner Center for Environment and the entire Coalition for the River Sana gathered at the source of the river and protested against the destruction of the river. The blame goes to the Austrian-German Kelag company, which were responsible for building the horrifically destructive Medna powerplant.

Balkanrivers

Charity dance for Blue Heart, Vienna

Jun 11, 2018 /

On June 17th, a charity dance event for the benefit of Balkan Rivers will be held at the Schmelz in Vienna. Several groups invite you to get to know folk dances from all over Europe and beyond. Admission is free; any voluntary donation will benefit the campaign "Balkan Rivers - Save the Blue Heart of Europe".

Balkanrivers
Water sampling and measurements of primary production at the Shushica, a tributary to the Vjosa in the far east, where snowmelt is long gone. The river is characterized by large boulders and crystal-clear water. © Thuile-Bistarelli

Vjosa Science Expedition

Jun 11, 2018 /

Between April 17th and May 6th, eleven scientists went on an expedition to collect data on biodiversity as well as ecosystem functions for the entire Vjosa river network. With great effort, 300 river kilometers were sampled by use of the most state-of-the-art methods and equipment. The Vjosa’s exceptional value was confirmed once more:

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