In the framework of the Balkan-wide campaign “Saving the blue heart of Europe”, EcoAlbania has undertaken the next initiative, the “Friends of Vjosa” initiative. The purpose of this initiative is to bring together specialists in the environmental field, various political personalities, representatives of environmental organizations, students, journalists, representatives of civil society and nature lovers, to discuss the initiatives taken so far as well as the steps next that everyone can take, to protect this treasure of Albanian nature.
As part of this initiative, four meetings have been organized where Vjosa’s new friends from different professional fields have been added to each meeting. Well-known figures from the artistic, political, media life, etc. have also participated in these meetings.
During these meetings, the participants have shared their experiences and experiences that are closely related to childhood, living near the river, as well as the fear that every memory of them may disappear as a result of the wrong policies and the damage that is being done to Vjosa, which will inevitably lead to the impoverishment and deterioration of the living conditions of the inhabitants of the valley.
The friends of Vjosa have expressed their readiness to give their contribution to protect the last “wild” river in Europe, as a natural and spiritual asset for them and for future generations. During the “Friends of Vjosa” meetings, various issues related to the Vjosa river were addressed, such as the problem of diversion from the Greek side, the threat from hydropower plants, and options for solving this problem were presented.
Many of the participants have taken on responsibilities and carried them out. We mention here the speech of the deputy Besnik Bare in the Parliament of Albania, the reports of the journalist Ben Andoni, the interview of Diana Cul with Vera Bektesh, the chronicles of Ani Ruci, etc.
These tea afternoons have gathered friends of Vjosa and above all have encouraged the reactions of society and the awareness of a wider public regarding this hot issue of the environment in Albania. The meetings of “Friends of Vjosa” will be organized periodically and aim to expand this network and promote public awareness on the issue of the construction of hydropower plants on the Vjosa River.
