Vjosa river gains protection as Europe's first Wild River National Park

In March 2023, the Vjosa River was designated as Europe’s first Wild River National Park, a significant milestone aimed at safeguarding its unique ecosystem and biodiversity. This riverscape, stretching 272km from Greece to Albania, features stunning blue-green waters and provides important natural habitats. The move was part of a broader conservation effort to address the alarming decline of Europe’s free-flowing rivers, with environmental leaders highlighting that less than 10% remain undammed. Collaborating with the Albanian government, Patagonia’s director Beth Thoren emphasized the need for vigilance and effective enforcement to maintain the park’s integrity. Local residents, such as Ana Janku, have long cared for the river and feel a deep connection to it, expressing hope that the river will remain wild and natural despite potential tourism pressures. Along the journey, encounters with wildlife, such as eagles, were common, highlighting the river's rich biodiversity. Key figures in environmental advocacy, like Olsi Nika from EcoAlbania, reflect on the delicate balance between tourism development and conservation, underlining the necessity of safeguarding the river for future generations. The establishment of this national park serves as a model for how natural areas can be preserved in an era of increasing threats from pollution and habitat loss, inspiring similar efforts across Europe.