Save the Blue Heart of Europe
Campaign for the Protection of Europes Wild Rivers in the Balkans
The Foundation Manfred-Hermsen-Stiftung supports the preservation of the last natural rivers in Europe. Under the leadership of the partner organizations RiverWatch and Euronatur, the foundation is involved in a campaign that is mainly directed against the immense expansion of planned hydropower plants.
News: Study on the impact of the Aoos dam
Background
The ‚Blue Heart of Europe‘ lies between Slovenia and Albania on the Balkan Peninsula. Nowhere else on the continent you can find so many different and untouched types of rivers and river species. Of nearly 36,000 kilometres of rivers and streams, 12,000 kilometres have a very good morphological condition and another 18,000 kilometres have a good structure. This is unique on our continent.
What’s more, these rivers are one of the most important hotspots for European biodiversity: 69 of the fish species are endemic. The rivers also host a variety of many threatened as well as endemic molluscs species.
This valuable natural area is under threat: more than 570 medium and large hydroelectric power plants are planned, regardless of nature and people, often with financial support from Western investors. Even national parks are not spared.
The Project
The campaign „Save the Blue Heart of Europe“ is committed to conserve the ecologically most valuable sections of the river courses, and to initiate an Eco-Masterplan for the development of water power for the entire network of rivers in the Balkan – a kind of land-use plan with „no-go“ routes for the electrical industry. For the first time, it brings together knowledge about biodiversity, the integrity of watercourses and the location of protected areas.
News: Study on the impact of the Aoos dam
The lack of a prescribed ecological flow from a hydropower dam in the Greek section of the Aoos/Vjosa River is jeopardising a unique and sensitive ecosystem. A new scientific study scientific study emphasises the urgent need to establish a minimum flow regulation to restore the river's ecological functions and preserve its rich biodiversity. Here is the press release of our partner Riverwatch.
Hydropower Data 2024 update
Milestones
June / July 2024: Sarantaporos Science Week 2024
April 2024: Vjosa Delta Science Week 2024
40 scientists investigate the biodiversity of the Vjosa Delta and work towards its inclusion in the Vjosa Wild River National Park in view of the threat posed by mass tourism. This and other 'Science Weeks' receive financial support from the MHS.
Neretva Science Week 2023 - Preliminary report
Neretva Science Week 2022: The final results were published in the science series "Natura Slovenia".
15.03.2023: Today the Albanian River Vjosa has been proclaimed Europe’s first Wild River National Park
Here you can find more information:
25.06.2020: Success for Balkan Rivers - Construction freeze for hydropower projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Eco-Masterplan for Balkan Rivers [pdf]
Campaign Brochure [pdf] „Save the Blue Heart of Europe!“ http://balkanrivers.net
