Europe’s last wild rivers in the Balkans are in decline

The Balkans, the last refuge for Europe’s wild rivers, are losing a little more of their natural heritage every year.

A recent hydromorphological assessment reveals that nearly 2,500 km of pristine rivers in the Balkans have disappeared since 2012, causing the proportion of near-natural rivers to fall from 30% to 23%. Albania, which is leading this decline, is suffering the consequences of the expansion of hydroelectric dams and river development.

Despite the protection of 900 km of rivers, efforts remain insufficient. Experts and associations involved in the “Save the Blue Heart of Europe” campaign are calling for stronger measures at national and European level to save these unique ecosystems before it is too late.

Check out the interactive map to learn more about the state of Balkan rivers.